MAN-powered diesel electric for Arctic ship

The vessel is powered by a diesel-electric set-up using four MAN 6L21/31 engines, each rated at 1,320kW. This is the third vessel the Bilbao-based shipyard has built for the same client. The vessel’s main purpose is to remain on standby and give immediate assistance to offshore platforms in emergency situations. The Esvagt Aurora is specially adapted to the harsh climate of the Barents Sea – north of the Norwegian/Russian mainland and south of the Arctic Ocean – where she will operate for Eni Norge, the Norwegian hydrocarbon company, on a 10-year charter contract.

The vessel integrates new technological developments for the launch and recovery of rescue boats, de-icing equipment to avoid ice accretion on decks, as well as pollution control gear, fulfilling the hight standards required by the Norwegian authorities for this type of vessel.

“The delivery of this vessel represents the consolidation of Zamakona Shipyard among the world leaders in building standby vessels. We would like to express our thanks to Esvagt for trusting in Zamakona, and we are sure that the Esvagt Aurora will fulfill and exceed the expectations put in her,” stated Pedro Garaygordobil, president of the Zamakona Group.

The newbuilding is 87m long, 17m wide and easily recognisable due to its X-bow. The vessel can perform high sea towage tasks, and is fitted with a duplex dynamic positioning system that allows it to maintain position, even in adverse conditions such as hurricane-force winds and rough seas. This feature also enables the Esvagt Aurora to operate ROVs in deep seas, regardless of weather conditions.

The vessel and its equipment fully comply with the ‘Clean Design’ environmental class notation, in particular regarding emissions. It has also achieved a high DNV Comf-V notation due to low noise and vibration levels.