Tersan NB1120 OffShore Support Vessel Interior Design

Project Name: Tersan Shipyard Nb1120, Nb1121, Nb1122, Nb1123

Design Office / Position: Cita Design Studio – Head Of Design

Year: 2022

Location: Yalova, Turkey

Shipyard: Tersan

Project Type: Marine Interior Design

Software Used: 3DsMax, Corona Renderer, Photoshop, InDesign

Designed Areas:

  • Crew and Staff Cabins
  • Messroom
  • Dayroom
  • Tv Room

Project Description

In 2022, Tersan Shipyard initiated the construction of four Offshore Support Vessels with the hull numbers NB1120, NB1121, NB1122, and NB1123. During this project, I served as Head of Designer at Cita Design Studio, leading the development of concept designs for the key crew living areas, including the dayroom, messroom, and cabins.

The design process was driven by the unique demands of offshore operations, where functionality, durability, and comfort must coexist seamlessly. Offshore Support Vessels operate under challenging conditions and house their crews for extended periods of time, making the quality of interior spaces a crucial factor. In the dayroom concepts, I focused on creating layouts that encourage both relaxation and social interaction, supported by practical and ergonomic furniture solutions. The messroom designs emphasized efficiency, hygiene, and comfort, enabling smooth daily operations, while the cabin concepts aimed to provide a sense of privacy and personal space within compact environments.

The Role and Importance of Offshore Support Vessels

Offshore Support Vessels (OSVs) are a vital component of the modern maritime and energy industries. These specialized ships are designed to support offshore operations, particularly in the oil, gas, and renewable energy sectors. Their primary role is to provide logistical, technical, and human support to offshore platforms, ensuring that operations at sea remain efficient, safe, and continuous.

One of the defining characteristics of an Offshore Support Vessel is its versatility. Unlike conventional cargo ships, OSVs are built with a wide range of functions in mind. They transport supplies such as fuel, water, and equipment to offshore platforms, while also facilitating crew transfers and emergency response operations. Some OSVs are fitted with advanced equipment for firefighting, rescue missions, or even subsea construction, making them indispensable in offshore projects.

Beyond their technical role, the interior design of Offshore Support Vessels plays a critical part in the well-being and performance of their crews. Life at sea can be challenging, with crews spending weeks or months onboard in demanding environments. This makes the quality of dayrooms, messrooms, and cabins more than just a matter of aesthetics. A well-designed interior enhances comfort, fosters social interaction, and provides privacy—ultimately contributing to the mental and physical health of seafarers.

Modern OSV interiors are designed with ergonomics, durability, and space efficiency in mind. Messrooms are optimized for hygiene and functionality, enabling smooth meal services even under rough conditions. Dayrooms are created as multifunctional spaces, serving as both recreational and social hubs. Cabins, though compact, are designed to maximize storage, privacy, and comfort, giving each crew member a personal retreat. As the maritime industry evolves, there is a growing emphasis on human-centered design, ensuring that seafarers have supportive living environments despite the harsh realities of offshore work.

Another important aspect of OSVs is their contribution to sustainability. With the global push toward renewable energy, many Offshore Support Vessels are now used to assist in the construction and maintenance of offshore wind farms. This shift requires not only advanced operational capabilities but also innovative design solutions that allow vessels to adapt to new types of missions.

In conclusion, Offshore Support Vessels are much more than just workhorses of the sea. They are dynamic platforms that combine technical innovation with human-centered design. Their ability to support a wide range of offshore operations while also providing livable, comfortable environments for their crews makes them essential to both present and future maritime industries. For designers, shipbuilders, and operators alike, OSVs represent a unique challenge: balancing efficiency, safety, and comfort within a single floating environment.