Rolls-Royce wins anchor handling order

The equipment, described by the company as “technologically advanced”, will be installed on three ships for offshore services company Norskan. Delivery to the STX OSV Niteroi shipyard will begin in 2012. The vessels are to be deployed in deep water oil and gas fields off the coast of Brazil. The contract is valued at over £50 million and includes the supply of a range of new technologies, including a rope tensioner system, which enables the safe transfer and storage of anchor rope several thousands of metres below sea level.

The contract also features specialised winches designed for the manoeuvre and installation of torpedo anchors weighing up to 130 tonnes each at depths of up to 3,000m. These anchors penetrate the seabed, giving a secure fixing for the heavy-duty mooring lines used to keep oil platforms in position.

Arne Tande, Rolls-Royce, Senior Vice President – Offshore Deck Machinery, said:“The focus of oil and gas exploration and development is moving towards deeper water. Rolls-Royce is particularly well positioned in this sector, supplying world leading technology that enables companies to operate safely in challenging conditions. This contract demonstrates that our safety-critical technology is trusted to deliver when it matters, ensuring that offshore companies can fulfil their demanding missions.”