Ulstein Newbuild To Fulfil Eidesvik-Subsea 7 Contract
Ulstein has signed a contract for delivering an offshore IMR/ construction vessel of the Ulstein SX148 design to Eidesvik Offshore ASA. The newbuild comes as a consequence of Subsea 7 and Eidesvik Offshore closing a contract for eight years for a new subsea IMR vessel. Ulstein states that by working closely with Eidesvik Offshore and their partner Subsea 7, they won the contract against stiff competition from others.
“We are very happy that Eidesvik has again chosen Ulstein to provide state-of-the-art tonnage. This will be an ultra-modern IMR/construction vessel for the North Sea, which we hope will greatly benefit Subsea 7 and their customer Statoil“, says Ulstein Group’s CEO Gunvor Ulstein.
Long-term Partner
CEO of Eidesvik Offshore ASA, Jan Fredrik Meling, is very satisfied with the quality on former deliveries from Ulstein. “Based on experience we know that Ulstein is quality-conscious and has innovative employees that work hard to deliver on agreed terms and conditions. We are therefore extremely satisfied to be signing this contract with Ulstein.”
With this major contract for a new Subsea IMR Vessel, Eidesvik Offshore ASA now has three vessels on long term contracts with Subsea 7. “This contract once again proofs that Eidesvik Offshore ASA is a long-term partner for one of the largest companies in the industry. With this newbuild we have contracted three vessels to Subsea 7, and our image as an international industrial supplier to the increasing subsea market has been confirmed”, says Meling.
Important Contract
The yard and design department at Ulstein have worked on this project for more than two years. Sales manager Håvard Stave – pictured left, together with managing director Karsten Sævik at Ulstein Verft – is happy that Ulstein was chosen: “Together with Subsea 7 and Eidesvik, Ulstein has developed a highly sophisticated offshore vessel. We have competed with the best players in the class, including contractors, shipowners, designers and yards. We are extremely proud. To us, this is truly an important contract.”
SX148 Design
The ship is of the SX148 design from Ulstein, which can carry out highly advanced subsea work like inspection, maintenance and repair of oil installations on the sea bottom. Furthermore, the vessel can be used for clearing oil and gas wells and for well stimulation. The moon pool is located centrally in the ship’s hangar, in an efficient layout providing a good and safe indoor work area on the main deck. The vessel is equipped with three ROVs: one for observation and two for operation. It also has an MHS (Module Handling System).
Also onboard is a 100t AHC (Active Heave Compensated) offshore crane. It will be used mainly for lifting/lowering heavy equipment from/to the sea bottom. The vessel has a high freeboard – which means the work deck is high above the waterline, providing added safety for the deck crew.
2012 Completion
The vessel is able to carry out demanding operations also under harsh weather conditions. The X-Bow hull line design reduces hull motion from high waves, making it easier to keep on operating. Statoil’s stringent operational demands require that the vessel has a good back-up system for much of the equipment and systems onboard. The vessel is also ice-reinforced for arctic conditions. The vessel will be 106.5 m long and 24.5 m wide with a top speed of over 17 knots. It will be accommodating a crew of 90. The ship will be in service for operator Statoil on her completion at the end of 2012.