Pelican to expand with four new AHTS

Pelican Offshore Services Pte Ltd in Singapore (previously known as Penguin Boat International Limited), is to acquire four new anchor handlers scheduled for delivery between the fourth quarter of FY2009 and second quarter of FY2010. The vessels will be built by a Malaysian shipbuilder.

Each 60 metre DP2 AHTS will be equipped with a pair of 2,200 kW main engines exerting a minimum bollard pull of 70 tonnes, along with two bow thrusters and one stern thruster. Other notable features include class 1 fire-fighting pumps, accommodation for 26 and a 360 m2 clear deck area complete with towing pins and shark jaws.

The company currently owns and operates a fleet of two AHTS, four Fast Supply Intervention Vessels and one crewboat, with an additional 5,000bhp AHTS due for delivery at the end of 2008. Commenting on the latest AHTS vessel purchase, Pelican?s Director and General Manager, Captain John Price, said: “Our latest acquisition of four DP2 AHTS demonstrates Pelican?s ability to seek out and seize good opportunities, and also affirms our status as a serious offshore vessel operator in Asia and the Middle East.”

“Our new vessels are built to support a variety of offshore activity, including ROV and diving operations,” Price added. “We are currently in talks to acquire more AHTS.”