Ulstein secures major newbuild contract

The newbuilding will be based on the Ulstein SX148 X-bow which can carry out highly advanced subsea work like inspection, maintenance and repair of oil installations on the sea bottom. Furthermore, the vessel can be used for clearing oil and gas wells and for well stimulation. Scheduled for delivery at the end of 2012, the vessel will be 106.5m long, 24.5m wide, a top speed of over 17 knots, accommodate a crew of 90 and be ice-reinforced for arctic conditions.

The moon pool will be located centrally in the ship’s hangar, in an efficient layout providing a good and safe indoor work area on the main deck. The vessel will be equipped with three ROVs: one for observation and two for operation. It will also have an MHS (Module Handling System). Also onboard will be a 100-tonne AHC (active heave compensated) offshore crane used mainly for lifting/lowering heavy equipment from/to the sea bottom. The vessel will have a high freeboard providing added safety for the deck crew.

Eidesvik has signed an eight year contract, worth over NOK 1 billion ($172 million), that will see the vessel go to work for Subsea 7 S.A., which has been awarded a a five year frame agreement contract, plus two one-year options by Statoil ASA.

With this contract for a new subsea IMR vessel, Eidesvik Offshore now has three vessels on long term contracts with Subsea 7. The Ulstein shipyard and design department have been working on this project for more than two years. Ulstein Verft sales manager Håvard Stave says: “Together with Subsea 7 and Eidesvik, Ulstein has developed a highly sophisticated offshore vessel. We have competed with the best players in the class, including contractors, shipowners, designers and yards.”