First UT 737 enters service

With the recent delivery of the Normand Flower from Norwegian shipyard S?viknes Verft, Rolls-Royce Marine has seen the first example of its completely new UT 737 design enter service. The 4,100 dwt vessel, described as one of the world?s most advanced multipurpose offshore vessels, features a DP-3 classification and includes extremely high safety standards that allow the ship?s operator, Solstad Offshore, to use the vessel for advanced offshore support services on a global scale.

With an overall length of 93.1m, the compact high spec sub sea support newbuilding has accommodation for 140 persons and is fitted with a completely integrated diesel electric propulsion system supplied by ABB. This includes a total package solution consisting of two 2.3MW Compact Azipod propulsors, power generators, switchboards, thruster drives, power management, joystick and a class 3 dynamic positioning system. The compact pod system is the second installation to be fitted to an offshore vessel (the first was on the Normand Rover delivered last year) and is ideal for vessels utilising dynamic positioning and provides enhanced manoeuvrability and safety, fuel savings, and reduced noise and vibration.

This latter aspect of low hull and machinery induced noise combined with optimum motion characteristics is important since Normand Flower will operate as a seismic research vessel where extremely low noise levels are vital in order to meet the demands from oil companies for precise seismic data. Other features which enhance the low noise levels are the two super silent bow thrusters and flexible mountings for all machinery including the four 2,610kW new generation Bergen C25:33L9A medium speed diesel generators.

Classed by DNV, Normand Flower represents a technological breakthrough in several areas and a great deal of emphasis has been placed on health, safety and environment with high comfort for the crew. The vessel is fitted with a 7.2 x 7.2m moon pool for ROV and sub sea operations and is also equipped with a helicopter deck capable of accommodating a Super Puma helicopter. Other features include a large offshore crane of 100t SWL located on the starboard side and a 1,000m3 oil recovery capability.

S?viknes Verft is part of the Aker Brattvaag Group owned by Aker Yards.