Topaz’s Caspian Voyager enters Extended Dry-Docking Scheme with ABS

(DUBAI) ABS and Topaz Energy and Marine, a leading offshore energy logistics company, have, together with the State Maritime Agency under the Ministry of Transport, Communications and High Technologies of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ASMA), announced the implementation of a pioneering project enabling a condition-based survey approach.

This achievement, which resulted from the visionary approach between Topaz, ABS and ASMA, marks a significant step in Topaz’s journey to transform its fleet to a condition-based class model. The entry of Caspian Voyager, Topaz’s largest modern Platform Supply Vessel (PSV) in the Caspian, into the Extended Dry-Docking (EDD) scheme acts as a bridge for this transition.

The programme will extend the vessel’s maximum dry-docking period from 5 to 7.5 years, allowing the vessel to undergo In-Water Surveys (IWS), resulting in higher availability and productivity.

Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS Chairman, President and CEO said: “This solution compliments Topaz’s digital efforts in targeting critical areas for repair, prioritising maintenance requirements, and efficient scheduling and using resources to improve availability of their assets, whilst also meeting class and statutory requirements.”

Martin Helweg, Chief Operating Officer, Topaz Energy and Marine, added: “This agreement is a milestone in our journey towards digital transformation. At Topaz, we focus relentlessly on ensuring the quality and safety of our operations. We aim to be a best-in-class, reliable, innovative service provider to our customers and we believe that with our partners, ABS and ASMA, we are making yet another step in the right direction to provide the tools necessary to achieve this.”

Additionally, the Director of the State Maritime Agency, Captain Gudrat Gurbanov, said: "The strong and reliable relationships between the State Maritime Agency and shipowners create the successful  foundation needed to ensure maritime safety and the protection of the environment."

This new partnership between Topaz, ABS, and AMSA is the first step in many towards a condition-based classification regime. This will align Topaz’s maintenance strategy with future condition-based class rules from ABS, moving from a prescriptive survey to condition-based.

About ABS

ABS, a leading global provider of classification and technical advisory services to the marine and offshore industries, is committed to setting standards for safety and excellence in design and construction. Focused on safe and practical application of advanced technologies and digital solutions, ABS works with industry and clients to develop accurate and cost-effective compliance, optimized performance and operational efficiency for marine and offshore assets.

About Topaz

Topaz Energy and Marine is a leading international offshore support vessel company providing logistics support and marine solutions to the global energy industry with primary focus on the Caspian Sea, the Middle East, West Africa and global subsea operations. Headquartered in Dubai, Topaz Energy and Marine operates an existing fleet of about 120 offshore support vessels with an average age of approximately nine years. 

About ASMA

The State Maritime Agency under the Ministry of Transport, Communications and High Technologies, is an executive authority, implementing state policies in the field of maritime transport in the Republic of Azerbaijan. ASMA ensures the safety of  maritime navigation as well as vessels compliance with national and international requirements to ensure the safety of life, vessels, cargoes and enhance the protection of marine environment.