Ulstein PX121 series delivery

The 83.4m Blue Thunder has a load capacity of 4,200 tonnes and a maximum speed of 16 knots. Its X-Bow hull line design makes the vessel efficient in heavy seas and when operating with varying loads.

Ulstein says both the hull and propulsion system make the vessel particularly suited for North Sea and North Atlantic conditions.

Gunvor Ulstein, CEO of Ulstein Group and managing director of Ulstein Shipping, said: “We have received good feedback from the operators on her three sister vessels, and we are very pleased that this ship will also enter into a contract for work in the North Sea.”

The Blue Thunder is also equipped with an IMO class II dynamic positioning system (DPS) and meets the requirements of DNV’s Clean Design notation. In addition to tanks for oil, water and drilling fluids, the vessel has four stainless steel tanks for flammable liquids.

Ulstein has also provided the electrical systems for the vessel. These include the power distribution and electrical propulsion system, the information and communication system Ulstein COM; modular consoles and integrated navigation systems and the integrated automation system, Ulstein IAS.

The Blue Thunder is commercially and technically under the management of Atlantic Offshore and is due to enter a four month contract with Statoil.

The remaining two vessels will be delivered later this year.