Bourbon orders two MPSVs

Following a European bid tender, Bourbon, the French offshore fleet operator, has placed an order for two high-tech Multi Purpose Supply Vessels (MPSV) from Socarenam, the French shipyard based in Boulogne-sur-Mer. Delivery is slated for the second half of 2009.

The design of these vessels is based on a concept established by Marine Assistance, and will be developed by the consultant firm Bureau Mauric. The experience of these two French companies in the concept of work vessels has enabled them to come up with a vessel design adapted to the requirements of Bourbon???s customers.

Christian Lef?Øvre, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Bourbon explains: ???This order for two high-tech Multi Purpose Supply Vessels from a recognized French shipyard reflects our desire to offer our customers high-performance multi-purpose vessels combined with an excellent cost/delivery deadline ratio in line with our Horizon 2010 strategic plan. This contract is proof that French and European naval shipyards can be competitive and offer a solid performance. The choice of the Socarenam shipyard also reflects our desire to make investments and remain a major socio-economic player in France. Bourbon is pleased to be able to build vessels at controlled costs in France.??

The two MPSVs built by Socarenam will be used to provide support in specific and demanding offshore operations such as the maintenance of oil facilities or production maintenance work and subsea inspections. They will provide high quality accommodation for 103 people.

Like all the new vessels in the offshore fleet, the design of these MPSVs meets the company???s high standards. They are equipped with diesel-electric propulsion and a redundant dynamic positioning system (Class 2). Moreover, the vessels will have 8 anchors (compared with 4 normally found on this type of vessel) which, combined with the DP capability, offer greater flexibility in operational positioning. The newbuildings have been designed with shallow draught to allow increased accessibility in shallow zones such as estuaries or rivers.