Metalships gets first of North Ocean options

Metalships & Dock, the Spanish shipyard based in Vigo which is a subsidiary of Rodman Polyships Group, has secured the first of two options under a contract to build offshore construction vessels for North Ocean 1 KS, a Norwegian-Dutch joint venture based in Bergen, Norway.

This vessel will be some 15m longer and 2m deeper than the first one ordered, giving a length of 135m, a beam of 27m and a depth of 9.5m. The diesel electric power plant has also been enlarged with a total output of 13,500kW compared to 10,800kW for the first unit and will drive two 3,500kW CRP azimuth thrusters, one 1,500kW retractable azimuth thruster and two 1,500kW FP resilient tunnel thrusters. A maximum speed of 16 knots is envisaged. The vessel will be fitted with two 100 tonne deck cranes

When delivered in April 2008, the new vessel will be capable of subsea construction, laying umbilicals, maintenance work on subsea infrastructure, and of general support duties. Classed by DNV, she will have accommodation for 120.

The yard says the order second option will have to be declared shortly and, if it is confirmed, will keep the yard fully occupied until the end of 2008.