The Offshore Supply Vessel as a Naval Auxiliary

Abstract

In the late 1960's the expanded international search for petroleum imposed new and rigorous demands on the offshore supply vessel. These vessels entered a phase of their evolution which has resulted in a class of vessel proven to be remarkably versatile and cost effective. This paper reviews the history and development of the offshore supply boat and describes the features and capabilities of these vessels which the author believes will enable them to serve as a new class of naval auxiliary capable of multimission utilization.