Offshore vessel reactivation and conversion program for Oceanica

A multi-year program of vessel reactivation and conversion

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Between August 2022 and February 2026, Oceanica Netherlands B.V. has carried out an extensive program of offshore vessel reactivation and conversion, expanding its fleet through a combination of reactivated, upgraded and converted vessels. The program includes platform supply vessels (PSVs) and anchor handling tug supply vessels (AHTSs) converted and prepared for subsea Inspection, Repair and Maintenance (IRM) and ROV operations.

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Tschudi Ship Management AS has supported Oceanica throughout this period as technical and crew manager, overseeing vessel reactivation, offshore vessel conversion, regulatory compliance and operational readiness across nine vessels. Several of the projects were executed in close cooperation with Green Yard Kleven in Norway, focusing on lifetime extension, retrofit and conversions as sustainable alternatives to newbuilding.

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The vessels are today operating as part of Oceanica's subsea fleet, supporting FPSOs, subsea infrastructure and offshore assets in Brazil and beyond.

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Supporting subsea IRM and ROV operations

Oceanica’s vessels are purpose‑built and converted to support critical offshore infrastructure, including non‑destructive testing, FPSO support and diverless operations. At the core of their operational model lies a clear commitment to safety, environmental protection and long‑term asset performance — values we recognise and share.

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What follows is a brief account of the vessels that together make up this program.

The vessels

1. NORMAND SIRA / OCEANICASUB IX – PSV / MT6009 L (DNV)

Reactivated from lay‑up in Norway in August 2022, Normand Sira underwent class renewal docking and comprehensive upgrades to machinery, electrical and propulsion systems. A mezzanine deck and ROV container arrangements were installed, together with additional office space for survey operations. Preparations for main crane installation were completed prior to her departure to Brazil in March 2023, with final crane installation carried out locally.

2. CF FORTUNE / OCEANICASUB VIII – PSV / MT6009 Mk.II

‍Taken over in operational condition in August 2022, CF Fortune was dry‑docked for HIPAP modifications, hull and propulsion cleaning, and environmental compliance upgrades. The vessel was further modified with mezzanine decks, ROV launch arrangements, a 50‑tonne main crane and upgraded power distribution. To meet Brazilian import requirements, deadweight was adjusted prior to her departure for Brazil in March 2023.

3. CF AURORA / OCEANICASUB XI – PSV / MT6009 Mk.II

‍Delivered to Oceanica in early 2023, CF Aurora was converted from an SOV configuration into a multipurpose offshore support vessel. Class renewals and dry‑docking were advanced to mid‑2023, allowing the vessel to sail for Brazil in September that year.

4. FAR SABRE / OCEANICASUB X – AHTS / UT 712L

‍Reactivated from lay‑up in March 2023, Far Sabre underwent full class renewal docking and extensive overhaul of propulsion and machinery systems. Deck equipment, winches and cranes were refurbished, and the vessel was fitted with ROV support arrangements and a main crane. She departed Norway for Brazil towards the end of 2023.

5. FAR SOUND / OCEANICASUB XIV – AHTS / UT 712L

‍Reactivated from lay‑up in Batam and subsequently towed to Singapore for change of name, class renewal and dry‑docking. Oceanica’s conversion design, developed by Marin Teknikk, was implemented prior to her planned transit to Brazil.

6. FAR SCIMITAR / OCEANICASUB XV – AHTS / UT 712L

Following a similar path to her sister vessel, Far Scimitar was reactivated from lay‑up in Batam and converted in Singapore, incorporating Oceanica’s standard subsea support configuration ahead of her transfer to Brazil.

7. SCANDI CAPTAIN / OCEANICASUB XVIII – PSV / MT6009

‍Acquired by Oceanica in early 2024, Scandi Captain underwent flag and name change in Norway before transiting to the Netherlands to collect a living module. She arrived in Rio de Janeiro in May 2024, where modifications were carried out to meet client requirements. Throughout this phase, the vessel was crewed and managed by TSM.

8. EVAN AGAVE / OCEANICASUB XII – PSV

‍Acquired in Mexico in February 2024, Evan Agave was crewed by TSM and delivered to Brazil in April. Following importation, modifications and change of flag and name were completed locally.

Completing the program

9. NORMAND TITAN / OCEANICASUB XVII – AHTS / UT 712L

The final vessel in the series marks both a completion and a continuation.

Oceanica acquired Normand Titan from Solstad Offshore in January 2025, renaming her Oceanicasub XVII. Unlike earlier vessels, she was operational at the time of transfer and required no reactivation, but a comprehensive repurposing - transforming an AHTS into a capable subsea and ROV operations vessel.

Tschudi Ship Management supported the full operational transition following acquisition, including regulatory and statutory compliance, insurance coordination, certificate management, and crew and ship management onboarding. We also provided preparatory support leading into her scheduled conversion at Green Yard Kleven.

The conversion included:

• installation of two mezzanine decks,
• ROV handling and LARS systems,
• expanded accommodation and office spaces,
• enhanced electrical and power systems,
• and full class re‑approval.

The project was completed in February 2026, and Oceanicasub XVII has now commenced her voyage to Brazil.

For Green Yard Kleven, the vessel was a familiar one - originally built at the yard as Rem Balder, later sailing as Normand Titan, and now returning for conversion and lifetime extension. For Oceanica, it marked the fifth completed project at the yard. For us, it was the natural conclusion to a series of complex projects carried out with consistency, trust and shared focus.

Looking ahead

Across nine vessels, multiple yards, and several jurisdictions, Oceanica has demonstrated what can be achieved through clear intent, repeat cooperation and disciplined execution. The pace and frequency of these projects have been demanding - and deeply rewarding to be part of.

We are grateful for the trust placed in us by Oceanica, and for the close cooperation with Green Yard Kleven, Marin Teknikk and the wider Norwegian maritime cluster.

Projects such as these show how reactivation, conversion and lifetime extension can deliver real operational value while supporting sustainability and circular use of assets.

We look forward to continuing the dialogue — and, in time, to working together again on what comes next.

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