Ulstein gets biggest single-ship contract

The newly formed company Marine Subsea Inc. has signed a contract with Ulstein Verft AS to build a well intervention ship of the type ULSTEIN SX121 from Ulstein Design AS. This is the largest single-ship contract for the Ulstein Group, totaling $135 million and is scheduled for delivery in July 2009.

The new vessel has already been contracted to operate in Angola, and hence will head right for its first assignment after delivery. The design features the now proven Ulstein X-Bow, the first example of which entered into service late last year in the shape of ?Bourbon Orca?.

African Offshore Services, the holding company of Marine Subsea Inc., is a newly established company that will carry out well intervention and other oil-service-related operations in West Africa. Island Offshore Management, an industry leader in well intervention, will be operating and managing the newbuilding.

A spokesman for Ulstein Verft AS says this will be the third vessel of the type Ulstein SX121 to be built at the yard. The vessel will be 25 metres wide and 120 metres long, will accommodate 100 persons, will be fitted with a tower for module handling, a moonpool, ROV hangar, offshore crane, helipad and a diesel-electric propulsion system.

The vessel will also be fitted with the newly developed Ulstein Com and Ulstein IAS from Ulstein Elektro AS.