Longitude launches new compact D-Flex PSV design

London-based design and engineering consultancy Longitude has launched a compact “D-Flex” platform supply vessel (PSV) design – the second design in its IMT Isca series, introduced in 2024.

Longitude says that the D-Flex design is an evolution of its operationally proven IMT 984 (G-Class) design and is a smaller, cost-efficient addition to the series for shipowners that seek long term economic value.

“We believe that the success of a ship and its design hinges simply around one question – does it make money for its owner? By targeting low CAPEX and OPEX within a package attractive to charterers, the D-Flex design offers shipowners an alternative where larger PSVs are not appropriate,” says Duncan Grigg, Longitude’s product lead for maritime design.

The D Flex is designed as a compact PSV tailored for offshore energy operations in Asia, the Middle East, and West Africa, with additional potential for deployment in the Southern North Sea.

The DP Class 2 vessel is 74.7 meters long, 16.2 meters wide, and has a deadweight of 3,000 tonnes.

Despite its smaller size, says Longitude, the design offers the same strong adaptability as the series’ G Flex, with wide scope for owner-configured layouts. This includes alternative accommodation and powering configurations, and optional preparation for future alternative fuel options such as methanol. The vessel has a total deck area of 650 square meters.

Generous accommodation capacity ensures suitability across multiple geographies and crewing models, while flexibility around the maker’s list allows owners to align the vessel with preferred equipment or lifecycle strategies.

“Our approach is simple: A PSV should earn its keep. By combining operational insight with robust naval architecture, the D-Flex is engineered to reduce cost and complexity for owners without compromising capability. It is a design shaped by real-world operations, not just theory,” Grigg adds.

The D-Flex is the second design of Longitude’s IMT Isca series, which represents the next generation of PSVs, evolved from the successful IMT-984 series, and designed with the flexibility to adapt to the specific commercial and operational requirements of owners.

The IMT Isca line focuses on sustainability for the owner, both economically and environmentally, while meeting regulatory requirements:

The design series offers wide ranging flexibility across cargo configurations, accommodation layouts, machinery arrangements, and propulsion options, enabling owners to tailor the vessel to mission and market.

Based on a proven low fuel consumption platform, the vessels can be adapted for alternative fuel configurations, including Tier III NOx compliant options.

Longitude, which is part of Oslo-listed ABL Group, ASA, specializes in ship design, marine operations, facilities and subsea and offshore wind design, with offices in more than 15 countries around the world.

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