The offshore oil and gas industry has seen tremendous expansion in the past two decades, increasing demand for support vessels.

There exist many categories of small vessel serving the industry.

• Anchor Handling and Supply Vessels handle the towing of rigs and oil platforms as well as the anchoring and mooring of the rig;
• Platform Supply Vessels (PSVs) bring equipment and stores to offshore drilling rigs; while Diving Support Vessels (DSV) are dedicated to underwater maintenance and inspection.
• Meanwhile, drilling units are used to prospect for new oil and gas fields. There are several types of Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit (MODU) – drillship, jack-up and semi-submersible – which are deployed according to the requirements and conditions of the site.

Offshore vessels are some of the most technically sophisticated vessels afloat. These sophisticated vessels are called upon to perform precise operations in highly challenging conditions, while at the same time ensuring the safety of all personnel involved.

As well as drilling units, offshore operators may also deploy accommodation units, construction units, service units, production or storage units.