Large propulsion order for Rolls-Royce

In addition to the ship design, the order includes a fully integrated diesel-electric power and propulsion system configured for efficient operation, and featuring four Rolls-Royce Bergen engines powering two Azipull thrusters. The ships will feature a DP system, a comprehensive range of deck machinery and a bulk handling system for the safe loading of cargo. The two UT 776 CD vessels will be built by STX OSV at its Brevik shipyard in Norway, with delivery scheduled for 2013.

According to Rolls-Royce, Island Offshore was the first to introduce the UT 776 CD ship, which is designed for versatility, with the main role of transporting supplies to and from offshore oil and gas platforms. These vessels are the ninth and tenth ordered by the operator to date.

Jorn Heltne, Rolls-Royce, director – offshore ship design, said: “We are delighted that Island Offshore has again turned to Rolls-Royce to provide an integrated design, power and propulsion solution for their platform supply vessels, particularly as the decision is based on the successful operation of vessels in their existing fleet.”

Rolls-Royce adds that the UT 776 was the first of its ‘new generation’ PSV designs, with Island Offshore as the first customer. This PSV is designed to carry all the normal deck cargo, liquids and bulk powders needed offshore, in an efficient hull with diesel electric propulsion and Azipull propulsion thrusters for operating flexibility.

A version meeting Clean Design rules was introduced, and an LNG-fuelled version of the UT 776 CD was developed. Having decided that an LNG infrastructure would be in place, Island Offshore ordered two examples of the UT 776 CDG, which are now under construction. They will normally run on gas, but can also use diesel fuel if they have to operate in areas where LNG is not available.

The UT 776 CD PSVs in this latest contract are 96.8m length oa, 20m beam, have a deck area of about 1,000m², a deadweight of approximately 4,700 tonnes, with the ability to take 2,700 tonnes of cargo on deck. These vessels will be powered by four Bergen C-series engines, each developing 1,920kW, and propelled by two AZP120 main thrusters in a diesel electric system.

Dynamic positioning will be to DP2 standard. Accommodation will be provided for a total of 38 people. These latest developments of the UT 776 CD design will carry all the normal offshore cargoes including methanol and special products, and the vessels will be classed for Oilrec.