In 2005, M/V Edda Fjord, a platform supply vessel of Østensjø Group, was converted to provide accommodation services offshore Nigeria for a total of 330 people. Therefore, it is considered the first flotel ship. It supported the Bonga FPSO during the onsite construction, hook-up and commissioning of the FPSO facility. Edda Fjord was connected to the FPSO by means of a gangway and took advantage of the dynamic positioning system onboard to maintain a precise and continuous position. In the following years, and as a consequence of the
excellent performance of Edda Fjord, several companies decided to build their own flotel ships.

The flotel ship offers the following advantages compared to a semi-submersible flotel: A flotel ship is considerably cheaper to build and operate than a semi-submersible. A ship has considerably lower costs in moving from one site to another, and moves much faster.

But flotel ships present also one important disadvantage: a semi-submersible is more stable in motions than a mono-hull (ship-shaped) unit and is therefore more suitable for harsh environments. The problem of roll movement can be minimized for a ship with the installation of active anti-rolling systems, such us active tank anti-roll stabilizers. But the heave movement, the main cause of seasickness, cannot be avoided in a ship.

Apart from semi-submersibles and ships, mono-hull barges have also been used for many years to providing extra accommodation for the offshore industries, also offering other possibilities such us heavy lifting or pipelaying. They are normally non self-propelled mono-hull vessels and represent a low cost alternative in benign/intermediate waters.

An advantage is:

• Cheaper than the other types: semi-submersible and flotel ships.

Disadvantages are:

• Not self propelled.
• It needs tugs for movement.
• Only suitable for benign and shallow waters, as they are not normally provided with dynamic positioning (DP) systems, and should be anchored.

However recently, there has been an increasing number of projects of self-propelled barges (at low speeds) with DP systems, which means that they are becoming the preferred solution for many marine contractors. In some cases, jack-up platforms are used as accommodation vessels, but these are limited to shallow waters of a few metres depth.

This is an except of the paper OFFSHORE AND COASTAL FLOATING HOTELS: FLOTELS by M Lamas and L Carral, of the University of Coruna, Spain. Click HERE to download the full document © 2011: The Royal Institution of Naval Architects.

One of the first questions I routinely get asked when people find out I work aboard ship is “Do You Get Seasick”. I find this question rather amusing considering that no amount of monetary compensation can justify the look I’ve seen on the faces of those prone to this ailment. For those in love with the idea of cruise ship travel but unwilling to step foot off the dock architects in Turkey might have your solution. News.com.au tells us:

Situated between the legendary Toros Mountains and the sparkling turquoise Mediterranean in Göynük, the Queen Elizabeth Elite Suite Hotel & Spa is a five-star luxury hotel in the guise of a massive cruise liner.

The hotel has been constructed on a purpose-built harbour, with ship-shaped villas, swimming pools, bars and vistas, as well as theme park rides.

Inside the 325-roomed hotel, guests can relax in saunas, Turkish baths, shock pools, steam rooms and Jacuzzis, while the spa and wellness centre offers a variety of therapies and treatments. (Photo Gallery – Video)

If you are looking for some more a authentic stationary cruise then you will have to wait for the QEII to reach Dubai, where she will become part of the new Dubai Maritime City. You could also just shop in a ship or visit maritime inspired destinations in a city near you.

For those looking to avoid sea sickness aboard a real ship here are a few tips:

Watch what you eat, avoid unusual smells, stay away from those who are prone to getting sick and, if all else fails, get topside and look at the horizon. Sea Sickness is most often triggered by confusion in your brain so, like most activities aboard ship, the best prevention is a relaxed but occupied mind.

For the full list read our post:

What is Seasickness? And 50 Ways Professional Mariners Tackle it!