New construction support vessel joins Solstad fleet

The Norwegian shipowner, based in Skudeneshavn on the island of Karmøy off the west coast of Norway, placed the newbuilding order with the Bergen Group back in 2007 as hull number 167. The hull was built at Stocznia Gdanska in Poland and the outfitting of the vessel was carried out by Bergen Group Fosen shipyard and delivered to Solstad Offshore on 30 September 2010.

The 6,718 dwt, 9,778gt newbuilding is based on the ST 256L design by Skipsteknisk in Ålesund and measures 122m long and 23m wide. It has a 200 tonne MacGregor offshore active heave-compensated (AHC) knuckle-jib crane, type LKO 400-35(2000-10) (200-36), and will be prepared for installation of ROV-systems and a 24 man diving system for 24 hour diving operations.

The Normand Pacific is powered by a diesel electric propulsion system comprising four Wartsila 8L32 medium speed diesel fuelled gensets each producing an output of 3,690kW at 720 rpm. This 14,760kW power plant generates electricity for the main propulsors consisting of two 3,200kW Schottel Rudder Propellers 3030 CP and one 2,200kW retractable Brunvoll thruster type AR100LNC2600 which give the vessel a maximum speed of 15 knots and a service speed of 12 knots. In addition, two Caterpillar type 3412TA diesel emergency and harbour gensets are fitted each with an output of 590ekW at 1,800 rpm.

Manoeuvrability is enhanced by the installation of two 2,000kW Brunvoll tunnel thrusters type FU100LTC2750 and one 2,000kW Brunvoll stern thruster of the same type. The comprehensive propulsion system is controlled by a Kongsberg Type K – Pos DP-21 and K-Pos DP-11 (AUTRO) to give the vessel a dynamic positioning 3 capability.

The 1,300m2 cargo deck space has a deck strength of 10 tonnes/m2 while the vessel also has cargo capacity 1,800m3 fuel oil, 3,600m3 ballast water and 800m3 fresh water. In addition to the 200 tonne offshore crane, a 5 tonne Dreggen crane type DKF100-5T-15M has been fitted on the starboard and port side aft of the superstructure.

A 21m diameter helicopter deck is located over the bow which has a maximum load of 12.8 tonnes to handle a Sikorsky S-92 helicopter. There is a 170m2 ROV hanger with two sliding doors, one each on port and starboard side, and a 40 tonne SWL overhead ROV crane. The vessel is also fitted with a 7.2 x 7.2m moonpool.

Comfortable accommodation is provided for up to 120 crew in 42 single and 39 twin cabins while public spaces consist of a large mess room and three recreation rooms which include a keep-fit exercise area.

The vessel has been accorded DNV classification 1A1, E0, Dynpos AUTRO, Crane, Hedk.-sh, ICE C, Clean Design, Naut OSV, Comf. V3,C3.

Normand Pacific is due to go on charter soon with USA-based Veolia ES Special Services Inc. for a period of three years firm plus option for a further three years. Veolia currently operates a number of offshore vessels in the Gulf of Mexico carrying out saturation diving, subsea construction, rig remediation or decommissioning. With her DP3 capability, moonpool and ROV facilities, the newbuilding will make an impressive addition to the VES fleet of multipurpose and dive support vessels.

Principal dimensions

Length o.a. 122m

Breadth moulded 23m

Summer draught 7m

Deadweight tonnage 6,718 tonnes

Gross tonnage 9,788 tons

Cargo deck 1,300m2

Propulsion plant Four Wartsila 8L32 each with an output of 3,690kW at 720 rpm

Main propulsors Two 3,200kW Schottel propellers 3030 CP

One 2,200kW retractable Brunvoll thruster

Maximum speed 15 knots

Service speed 12 knots