With around 1,200 vessels on order in mid-March this year, the offshore sector was eclipsed only by bulk carriers, tankers and general cargo ships in terms of numbers on order. That figure includes several very large vessels similar to Stena's 97,000dwt DrillMax vessels and FPSOs, but the vast majority are much smaller types, of which the bulk are platform supply vessels. In recent years, the mix has been supplemented by well intervention, offshore construction and survey vessels, meaning that true ships (as opposed to rigs and platforms) are now capable of performing every role in offshore energy exploration and extraction. Modern offshore vessels are a far cry from the earliest ships serving the rigs - which were then located much closer to shore - in both size and sophistication. With their dynamic positioning, innovative propulsion systems and multi-role function requiring specialist deck machinery, the latest examples can legitimately claim to be among the most advanced vessels operating commercially. There is still, however, a strong demand for more basic vessels.
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