Another MFSV for Ezra

Singapore-based Ezra Holdings Limited continues to build its deepwater service capabilities with the award of a contract for a second large 27,000 bhp (19,840 kW) Multi-Functional Support Vessel (MFSV) to Karmsund Maritime Service AS of Norway. This follows hot on the heels of its earlier order for a similar MFSV.

This repeat order is contracted at the same price of NOK 620 million ($115 million) as the first MSFV. Like the earlier vessel, the new MFSV is designed with sophisticated features such as an ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) hangar and an A-Frame hull, which will allow the vessel to carry out well intervention and subsea installation services. These two-of-a-kind pair will be delivered in 2010, with the first vessel in the first half 2010 and the second one about six months after.

Capable of achieving a bollard pull in excess of 300 tons, these vessels are customised to meet the stringent environmental protection requirements for operations in the North Sea, and provide ultra deepwater anchor handling in depths up to 5,000m.

Said Ezra???s managing director Lionel Lee: ???Ezra is the first offshore support services provider in Asia with the vision and valor to venture into the deepwater space. As offshore oil exploration moves into deeper waters, there will be strengthening demand for large size MFSV. We have grown our fleet and service capabilities strategically to capture the growth in this niche sector and are well positioned to reap the high earnings yields.?? The vessel will be equipped for various offshore duties such as offshore construction, sub-sea installation, rov interventions, installation-maintenance-repair, deepwater anchor handling, towing; supply runs; standby and rescue; and tanker assistance.

The Group currently manages 26 vessels and expects delivery of 11 more vessels by 2010, including two 30,000 bhp Rolls-Royce designed MFSV.