Although several interesting ships will be delivered from Norwegian shipyards during 2011, no one of them qualify to the high standards of the Ship of the Year-award.

Photo: Harald Valderhaug

The subsea service vessel SKANDI AKER, owned by the Norwegian company DOFCON ASA and built at STX Norway Offshore AS – Søviknes, was today declared Ship of the Year 2010 by the Norwegian State Secretary Rikke Lind at the SMM 2010 trade show in Hamburg.

SKANDI AKER is built according to the STX Europe OSCV 06 L design and is arranged for deep water riser-based intervention as well as for shallow water riserless subsea intervention, including subsea construction and installation work as well as maintenance work. These capacities are unique worldwide. SKANDI AKER cannot be compared with other so-called Well Intervention Vessels, she is technologically far ahead.

The vessel is capable of performing well intervention operations at water depths up to 3,000 metres, while other existing well-intervention vessels are limited to about 800 metres depth. Furthermore, and perhaps the most striking technical feature of this vessel, is that she can operate as a light drilling unit, and thus the ship has been classified as both ship and drilling unit.

SKANDI AKER is operated by Aker Solutions, which is the company responsible for designing the vessel’s well intervention system and solutions. Essentially, the vessel is able to perform deepwater well intervention services that oil companies previously needed expensive drilling rigs to conduct.

SKANDI AKER is the largest monohull subsea well intervention vessel built so far with large deck space, heavy capacity subsea cranes, excellent sea-keeping performance, all interventions on DP and high transit speed. The vessel is equipped with a Module Handling System and a 400 tons AHC crane.

Subsea Service Vessel

It is thus evident that when it comes to technical features this ship is in the forefront in this field today. Instead of labelling her narrowly as well-intervention vessel, well cleaning vessel, vessel for coil-tubing or as a drilling unit, the shipyard has introduced the collective term “Subsea Service Vessel”.

The vessel has a diesel electric propulsion system, and her dimensions are impressive: 156.9m l.o.a., 27m breadth and depth moulded of 12m. The deck measured about 2,100 m2 prior to installation of the rucker deck and derrick.

SKANDI AKER is built to DNV class @1A1 with ICE-C, Well Intervention Unit, COMF-V(3)C(3), DYNPOS-AUTRO (IMO III), NAUT-AW and CLEAN DESIGN to mention some of the notations.

The prestigeous SHIP OF THE YEAR-award is instituted by the major Nordic shipping magazine SKIPSREVYEN. Price candidates are nominated by the readers of the magazine, but the final election is the responsibility of a jury consisting of the former MD of the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association Mr. Rolf Sæther and the MD of the sales and marketing organization Norwegian Shipyards, Mr. Birger Skår and Publisher of SKIPSREVYEN, Mr. Asle B. Strønen.

Photo:Skipsrevyen

For the Press:
High-res images of the vessel

http://www.shipoftheyear.com/2010/images/SkandiAker1.jpg
http://www.shipoftheyear.com/2010/images/SkandiAker2.jpg

(Right click and “save as” or copy the txt from this page)

http://www.shipoftheyear.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Skipsrevyen-Press-Release.doc

Ship Photos: Harald Valderhaug

Images og the Norwegian State Secretary Rikke Lind and the award winners:

http://www.shipoftheyear.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Rikke_Lind_ogalle_820.jpg

Photo:Skipsrevyen

FAR SAMSON elected Ship of the Year 2009

The multifunctional Plough/Tug/Supply/Subsea Vessel FAR SAMSON was today declared Ship of the Year 2009 by His Royal Highness King Harald V and the Norwegian State Secretary Rikke Lind at Nor-Shipping. The vessel was delivered from STX Norway Offshore AS – Langsten to Farstad Construction AS on 24th March 2009.

Many of the ideas for the newbuilding are based on the experience gained through the operation of FAR SOVEREIGN which has performed trenching works since 1999. This vessel made single vessel operation possible which meant a big step forward in efficiency.

FAR SAMSON is purpose built for seabed pipeline trenching, pulling a remote controlled plough on the seabed laying the pipeline in an up to 2.5m deep ditch in one operation. Afterwards the ditch is backfilled by a different plough. The vessel is furthermore fully equipped for Subsea Contruction and IMR duties.

During the bollard pull test, an official world record was established as 423 metric tonnes continuous bollard pull was achieved and verified by DNV.

The vessel has a hybrid propulsion system and is very fuel efficient, and the generator engines are equipped with catalytic converters which result in 95% NOx reduction. The class notation Clean Design is implemented, as well as NAUT OSV A and Comfort class.

The prestigeous SHIP OF THE YEAR-award is instituted by the major Norwegian shipping magazine SKIPSREVYEN. Price candidates are nominated by the readers of the magazine, but the final election is the responsibility of a jury consisting of the Publisher and Editor of SKIPSREVYEN, Mr. Asle B. Strønen, the former MD of the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association Mr. Rolf Sæther and the MD of the sales and marketing organization Norwegian Shipyards, Mr. Birger Skår.

[Show as slideshow]

FAR SAMSON is the most powerful offshore vessel ever built. The vessel is initiated by Farstad Shipping of Norway, and realized by Rolls-Royce in close co-operation with the Owner. Rolls-Royce developed the special design based upon Farstad’s requirements, and the UT 761 CD has been built by STX Europe Langsten.FAR SAMSON is the most powerful offshore vessel so far, with a continuous bollard pull of 423 tonnes with all 3 auxiliary thrusters operating and 377 tonnes under main propellers alone.
The UT 761 CD is a design specially developed to meet a strict set of requirements from the Owner, and incorporates new technology. It is a multifunctional vessel capable of carrying out heavy ploughing operations for pipes and cables on the seabed, sub sea installation work in ultra deep water, ROV operations, towing, and other challenging subsea operations. The specification calls for ploughing to a cut depth of 2.5m in the seabed in water up to 1,000m deep.
Meeting the various demands means a large vessel, 121.5m long overall, 26m beam, 15,620 gross tons, the hull strengthened to Ice Class 1B, having also DeIce Class for operation in iced waters and harsh conditions. Hull lines are optimised for the required 12-17 knot transit speed range, allowing the ship to mobilise efficiently for operations anywhere in the world. The top speed is approx. 20 knots. The draught is more than 8 m to give sufficient immersion to the large propellers. The hullform incorporates a bow bulb and stern sections designed to give a clear flow of water to the propellers to satisfy the requirement for an extremely high bollard pull.
During design and construction of this Clean Design vessel, utmost attention was paid to internal and external environmental aspects as well as the safety conditions for vessel and crew.
An unusual feature of the UT 761 CD is two working deck levels. The space over the main deck houses the winches (Rolls-Royce 600 tonne pull hydraulic main winch) and is open at the stern, allowing wires to be run over a stern roller. It is flanked by workshops and winches for the A-frame and crane. Above it is the working/weather deck fitted with a track system and transportation skids provided for deploying either of the two massive ploughs offshore. An A-frame with a 250 tonne safe working load offshore and active heave compensation winch is mounted at the aft end of the deck.
Between the working deck and the accommodation is a large ROV hangar. A 7.2m x 7.2m moonpool is provided amidship. Equipment can be deployed through the moonpool using the offshore crane which is rated for a 250 tonne lift up to 35m outreach and 3,500 m working depth. Because of the high asymmetric loads, the ship will have an active heel control system as well as passive roll reduction tanks. Ahead of the plough garage is an ROV hangar and deployment system.
FAR SAMSON has a hybrid propulsion combining diesel electric and diesel mechanical transmission to give optimal operating flexibility, fuel economy and minimum exhaust emissions. Depending on the type of operation, the UT 761 CD can run in any of six principal propulsion modes. This flexibility means that the widely varying power requirements are efficiently catered to, there is a high level of propulsion redundancy, and engines are run at an efficient part of their load range, minimising exhaust emissions. All Bergen engines meet Clean Design class rules without further exhaust clean-up, but catalytic converters are additionally fitted to the gensets, giving 95% NOx reduction.
To meet IMO DP3 requirements the machinery is split between two engine rooms separated by a longitudinal watertight bulkhead. Each of the two main CP propellers has an output of 12,000 kW. There are four auxiliary generator sets.
Aft are two 1,200 kW tunnel thrusters and an 1,800kW swing up azimuth thruster. Forward there is one 1,800kW tunnel thruster, a swing-up azimuth unit of the same power and an 1,800kW Combithruster.
One major role for the new Farstad vessel will be pipeline trenching with a new generation plough that is capable of cutting a 2.5m deep trench in the seabed allowing for larger pipe diameters and giving the pipe better protection. FAR SAMSON can pull this plough in the water depths that will be called for in the future. The main plough cuts the trench and places the pre-laid pipeline in it in one operation and a separate backfill plough is used later to backfill the trench. When not in use the main plough is housed in a large hangar on deck where it can be maintained under cover.
To move these heavy pieces of equipment on deck safely and under full control, there is a special skid handling system allowing one plough to be parked on the centreline under the hangar, the other overhanging the deck edge to port. Being able to change the ploughs offshore, eliminating the need for port call for plough change, as well as being able to carry both ploughs in fully operative condition on deck at all times, will be a great advantage for the operation.
Far Samson has accommodation to Farstad’s high standard meeting Comfort class (V3)(C3) rules. Since the type of operations to be undertaken involve large numbers of people, a total of 22 single cabins and suites and 39 double cabins are provided, together with all facilities including messes, cafeteria, dayrooms, gymnasium, hospital, offices and conference rooms, spread over six decks. There is a central lobby and lift to the various levels, while the layout allows easy movement of people around the ship.
A distinctive feature of the design is a double deck bridge layout. The navigation wheelhouse follows current UT-Design principles, with a semicircular bridge front and the main forward facing control station for transit and navigation placed for optimum sight lines. Communications and a client/ROV service area are located in the centre with the casings either side, and at the aft end, commanding a clear view over the deck and the area around the ship, is the manoeuvring console.
On the deck below is a second set of consoles enjoying a good view over the working deck, from which ploughing and other winch operations can be controlled. DP3 and other controls are also slaved to this position. On the same deck is a plough/control/survey space, an instrument room, suites of offices and a conference room. There is a separate ROV control room, and a new engine control room concept has been developed by Rolls-Royce for Farstad particularly for this vessel.

The shipping company (management and operating company) Sverre  Farstad & Co was founded in Ålesund in 1956.

The shipping company’s first vessel M/S “Farland” was delivered from Haugesund Mek. Verksted AS. The vessel was launched on 24 November 1959 and named by Mrs. Margaret Farstad.
Farstad’s first two supply vessels, the AHTS’s “Stad Sea” and “Stad Scots­man”, were both named at Ulstein Hatlø AS. These were also the first UT 704 designs delivered.

In 1986 the company Farstad Shipping AS was established to carry out the chartering and marketing functions, and manage the financial fleet pool of Farstad’s 10 supply vessels and one vessel on order. All the names of the Farstad vessels were changed and they received the prefix “Far” instead of “Stad”. The large white “F” was introduced for use on the vessels’ red hulls.

The same year Farstad purchased most of Wilhelmsen’s offshore fleet.
In 1987, the OSE-listed company Herness Shipping Company AS of Oslo (in principle controlled by Sunnmørsbanken) became Far Shipping AS.

In 1989 Farstad purchased ten vessels, eight of these from Seaforth Maritime of Aberdeen and two from DnC. The fleet became the largest one in the North Sea.

In connection with Loch Offshore taking over the operation of the newly acquired Seaforth vessels, Farstad acquired 75% of the company’s shares, and the name was changed to Farstad UK Ltd.

Far Shipping AS became Farstad Shipping AS – a fully integrated shipping company in 1993 and Sverre A. Farstad (Andy) took over as Managing Director the same year.

Farstad Shipping AS in Ålesund was certified pursuant to the requirements of ISO 9002 (quality certificates for vessels and offices). In addition to this, ISM/SEP (safety certification) was obtained. Such certification was expected to strengthen the company’s future competitiveness.

In 1993 the company P/R International Offshore Services ANS (IOS) was established as a jointly owned (50/50) company with Farstad and P&O Australia as participants.

In 1999 Terje J. K. Andersen took over as Managing Director after Sverre A. Farstad, who became the Chairman of the Board.

The same year, a new joint venture company Brazil Offshore Services (BOS) was established in Macaé, Brazil. The company was owned 50/50 with the Brazilian company Petroserv SA, and would carry out the operation, local crewing and marketing of the vessels in Brazil.

Farstad established a wholly owned management company in Melbourne, Australia in 2003 – Farstad Shipping (Indian Pacific) Pty Ltd. (FSIP) with representation in Singapore, Vietnam, the Philippines and Perth (Western Australia). On 1st July 2003, Farstad acquired P&O’s 50% stake in IOS and became the sole owner of the IOS fleet of 18 vessels.

Farstad established the 100% owned Farstad Shipping Pte. Ltd in Singapore in 2005 – a vessel owning company which starte operations by owning and operating four vessels in south east Asia.

Karl­Johan Bakken became the new Managing Director of Farstad Shipping ASA after Terje J. K. Andersen, who retired in 2006.

In the period from 1990 until 2010 the company ordered in total 47 vessels, whereof  41 were built or are under construction at Norwegian yards, representing a total investment of approx. NOK 11.5 billion.

Farstad’s Global Integrated Management System (the ISM-code, the ISPS code, the ISO 9001: 2000 Quality Standard and the ISO 14001: 2004 Environmental Standard) was certified by Det Norske Veritas against the International Safety Management Code, ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 14001:2004, in January 2006.

During 2006, Farstad contracted eight newbuildings. One of these is the deepwater pipeline trenching/construction vessel Far Samson. The vessel was initiated by Farstad Shipping, and realised by Rolls-Royce in close cooperation with Farstad Shipping.
The yard number 704 at STX Europe Langsten was named Far Samson, by the godmother Katrine Farstad (14 years old), daughter of  Sverre A. Farstad, and granddaughter of Margaret, who named the company’s first vessel.

THIS IS FARSTAD SHIPPING TODAY
Farstad Shipping’s strategy is to be a long-term major supplier of large, modern offshore service vessels to the oil industry worldwide. The company will maintain a long-term chartering profile. The company’s fleet consists of 53 vessels: 24 PSV, 28 AHTS and 1 CSV vessels. Farstad Supply AS has 4 newbuildings for delivery within June 2010, all built at Norwegian yards. Altogether, 150 employees in Aalesund, Aberdeen, Melbourne, Singapore and Macae manage the company’s activities. At the moment, 19 vessels are stationed in the North Sea, 11 in Brazil, 4 in the Far East, 18 in Australia and 1 in West Africa. The number of sailors is approx. 1,500.

ISLAND WELLSERVER elected Ship of the Year 2008

The offshore service vessel ISLAND WELLSERVER, owned by the Norwegian company Island Offshore and built by Aker Yards ASA, Langsten, was today declared Ship of the Year 2008 by the Norwegian State Secretary Rikke Lind. ISLAND WELLSERVER is a subsea riserless oil and gas well intervention vessel, and represent new technology in the offshore market. The ship also introduces new standards for working environment, safety and comfort, according to Ms. Lind.

The ship is a result of a vision that the subsea well intervention market should be served by a vessel, instead of a drilling rig, which so far has been the case. “The vessel is a masterpiece in Norwegian shipbuilding and reflects the high market demands in the booming sector of shipbased light well intervention services”, says State Secretary Lind.

Described as a Subsea Riserless Well Intervention Vessel with a running wire line through a subsea lubricator system, she is equipped with the most advanced systems available. She will perform production logging, plugging and gauging operations, re-perforations and downhole mechanical works.

Built to the highest DNV Comfort Class notation, she has a noise and vibration level similar to a modern cruise ship. This makes her the world’s only offshore vessel with DNV‘s highest Comfort Class, V(1) C(1). The HSE philosophy is an important aspect for the ship owning company who aims to give the crew the best living and working environment possible.

The prestigeous SHIP OF THE YEAR-award is instituted by the major Norwegian shipping magazine SKIPSREVYEN. Price candidates are nominated by the readers of the magazine, but the final election is the responsibility of a jury consisting of the Publisher and Editor of SKIPSREVYEN, Mr. Asle B. Strønen, the former MD of the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association Mr. Rolf Sæther and the MD of the sales and marketing organization Norwegian Shipyards, Mr. Birger Skår.

[Show as slideshow]

ISLAND WELLSERVER is designed by Rolls-Royce Marine and given the notation UT 767 CD. The development of the design is a result of a long time relationship between owners and consultants, both located in Ulsteinvik on the west coast of Norway.

The owners Island Offshore had a vision that the subsea oil well intervention market rather should be served by cheap vessels than expensive semisubmersible drilling rigs. The company teamed up with topside specialists FMC Technologies and Oceaneering who developed the unique equipment, and when Statoil (now StatoilHydro) tendered for a long time charter of an installation with such capabilities, Island Offshore deceided to offer for that tender. Based on the know-how achieved from other advanced vessels in the fleet, the UT 767 CD was developed in clos co-operation with Rolls-Royce Marine.

Island Offshore won the long-time time charter contract with Statoil (6 years – NOK 600m), and the newbuilding contract was placed with Aker Yards in October 2005, who assigned the work to Langsten Yard. The vessel was delivered from the yard in april 2008.

The main duties for the new vessel will be maintenance and repair of oil and gas wells with a riserless wireline intervention system. The vessel will also operate ROVs for other operations on the sea bed. She is tailor-made for continuous, uninterrupted services in one of the most severe environmental areas in the world, as the prime area of operation is the Norwegian continental shelf. The ship can operate light well intervention work in significant wave height of up to 6m with wind speed of 20,3 Vw(m/s) and in water depths ranging from 70 m to 2,500 m..

The topside integration unit is designed for down hole operations as well as subsea construction and support (inspection, maintenance and repair). For well intervention conditions the unit will be able to maintain continuous, unrestricted intervention operations in defined environmental conditions and in water depths ranging from 70 m to 2,500 m. The operation implies entry into live wells and a limited return of contaminated fluids to deck level. Tasks include production logging, plugging and gauging operations, re-perforations and downhole mechanical work.

During a light well intervention operation, accomodation is needed for 55 – 60 people and the ISLAND WELLSERVER has accomodation for a total of 95 persons i single cabins.

The deck arrangement is designed for safe and efficient operations and with comprehensive intergration of auxiliary systems and functions for optimum utilization of available deck areas. The deck is dominated by a module handling tower to launch and retrieve the lubricator package. A large working deck area has been specified so that all equipment can be handled horizontally on skids. The deck crane has a lifting capacity of 150 tons at 11 metres. The moon pool has a net opening of about 7,8 x 7,8m with a guiding system for launching and recovery of lubricator stack. The two ROVs are arranged in enclosed garages aft of accommodation.

The vessel’s propulsion is provided by a diesel electric system consisting of four main generator sets and one auxiliary genset. Two azipull thrusters with pulling propellers provide the main propulsion and manoeuvring forces. The vessel’s speed is about 14 knots at draft of 7.7m. ISLAND WELLSERVER  is further equipped with two supersilent tunnel thrusters and one swing-up azimuth thruster, powered by a diesel engine which also drives a generator and provides yet another level of redundancy.

Aker Yards, Langsten is situated in Tomrefjord in Møre og Romsdal County. They were established in 1945 and have inherited a tradition of skill, problem solving, and professional competence in ship building. They have delivered severel high-tech and innovative specialized vessels which has put them on the leading edge in their field.

Aker Yards, Langsten prides itself in the construction of state of the art, advanced specialized vessels. They have delivered seismic ships, icebreakers, high-tech offshore vessels, and naval vessels.

Aker Yards, Langsten is proably Norway´s most moderen shipyard. Their huge outfitting hall is a major advantage since all the tasks can be undertaken under cover. This benefits the workforce and their effectiveness on many levels.

Aker Yards, Langsten has a large docking area which also makes it an attractive shipyard for both repairs and reconstruction.

[Show as slideshow]

123►

The Island Offshore Group is a leading provider of services to the offshore industry ranging from Platform Supply and Anchor Handling to Advanced Subsea Operations including Increased Oil Recovery (IOR) and Light Well Intervention (LWI). The fleet consists of high quality vessels with an average age of less than two years. 11 vessels are currently operating in Brazil, Mexico, USA and in the North Sea.
The Island Offshore Group comprises ship owning companies where Island Offshore Shipholding LP holds the majority shareholding. Technical and marine operations for all vessels are handled by Island Offshore Management AS in Ulsteinvik, whilst IOR and Subsea operations are handled by Island Offshore Subsea AS in Stavanger. Island Offshore is fully certified according to ISO standards 9001 and 14001.
Island Offshore has a distinct objective to maintain and operate its fleet at least in accordance with national and international laws and regulations, in particular with respect to Health, Safety and Environmental issues. All employees shall be highly qualified and perform with the highest working standards and professionalism in all areas.

The Ulstein family has a 30 years history as owners of advanced service vessels. Following the acquisition of “Havila Chieftain”, a 1984 built anchor handler type ME 303 in 1999, members of the Ulstein family founded Island Offshore in 2000. Island Offshore took delivery of its first new building, a UT 722 L from Aker Langsten in December 2000. The vessel went straight on to a 2-year charter party for Statoil, which were completed in January 2003 and has since been on hire to Petrobras. Subsequently, the Ulstein family has expanded their ownership interests through strategic partnerships with industry leaders.

In January 2004, Island Offshore Management AS, which is majority owned by Island Offshore Shipholding LP, was established in order to manage fleet operations. Island Offshore Management AS has developed management systems in compliance with the guidelines from Det Norske Veritas and is certified by the Norwegian Maritime Directorate according to the ISM-code.

Island Offshore Shipholding LP is jointly owned with Edison Chouest Offshore, the leading operator in United States for advanced and high quality service vessels. ECO owns and operates a fleet of approximately 150 offshore vessels worldwide with the majority in the U.S, Mexico, Brazil and West Africa.

In August 2005, Island Offshore Subsea was established. The company is jointly owned by Island Offshore Management AS and leading employees, and specializes in developing and implementing customized engineering solutions for Light Well Intervention and other sub sea well operations.

In 2006 a joint venture with Edison Chouest Offshore in Brazil was established and there are three vessels under construction.

In 2007 Island Offshore became leading shareholder in MARACC ASA and signed management agreement for supervision and operation a semi-submersible  GM 4000 rig under construction in China.

There is no doubt that the Owners believe strongly in this sector of the offshore market. In July they contracted another ship of Rolls-Royce UT 767 CDL design at Aker Yards, probably to be built at Langsten. The contract price is about NOK 1.2 billion, and the delivery is planned for third quarter 2011. After delivery of this vessel Island Offshore will have four RWLI in operation, and strengthen their position as a pioneers and market leaders in this segment.

M/S «NORMAND SEVEN» – the largest offshore vessel built at Ulstein

M/S «NORMAND SEVEN» with hull no. 277 will be delivered from Ulstein Verft AS, Ulsteinvik on 6 July to the Owners, Solstad Offshore ASA, Skudesneshavn. This is a large Offshore Construction Vessel capable of undertaking all aspects of offshore construction and installation works. The vessel is designed by Vik-Sandvik in close co-operation with the Owners and is of VS 4220 OCV design.The new design is based on the experience of the «Normand Cutter», «Normand Clipper» and «Normand Installer», and Vik-Sandvik has delivered complete engineering for the vessel. The contract price was around NOK 650 million.
The vessel is built for world-wide sub-sea operations including operation in coastal waters. The vessel is designed with emphasis on efficiency, safety and economy with considerations to restrict environmental pollution.
Following the delivery of the vessel she enters a contract with Subsea 7 for a duration of eigth years. The vessel will during the first 18 months be employed installing flexible pipes (risers and flowlines) at Petrobras’ prestige project Roncadore in Brazil.
The newbuilding can offer ROV support (side loading both sides) and has DP IMO class III. The vessel was originally equipped with a moonpool. But due to the large rebuilding of the vessel, Ulstein Verft has sealed the moonpool and prepared the vessel for a laying deck. When delivered from Ulstein the ship will be equipped with a 250 metric ton heave compensated crane.
With a length of 130 metres, beam of 28 metres and steel weight around 5,700 metric tons the vessel loomed large in Ulstein Verft’s dock hall. The ship is built and painted in dry dock inside this covered dock hall, thus ensuring controllable atmosphere and the best quality of work. The size of the wheelhouse is around 400 square metres.

The Owners
Solstad Shipping AS was established by Captain Johannes Solstad. After about 10 years in operation the company started its offshore activities by ordering four supply vessels from a Dutch shipyard. In 1997 the company was listed on the stock exchange under the name Solstad Offshore ASA. The status at the end of 2006 shows a fleet of 34 fully owned/jointly owned and leased vessels, including 12 newbuildings. The offices in Skudesneshavn and Aberdeen operate around 30 vessels. Approximately half the fleet is employed outside of the North Sea.
The fleet can be split into threee categories; construction vessels, anchor handling tug tug supply vessels and supply vessels.

The Yard
With 90 years experience in shipbuilding, the Ulstein Group has developed considerable expertise in the development, building and sale of vessels designed for demanding marine operations. In addition, the Group has built up a high level of competence within ship design and marine electrical systems and electronics. Quality and flexibility both in design and implementation allow the Ulstein Group to produce new and improved ships and ship systems for the global market. At the end of 2006 the Ulstein Group had approximately 600 employees.
Ulstein Verft AS is one of the world’s foremost suppliers of specialised vessels; primarily anchor handling tug supply vessels, platform supply vessels and specialised and multifunctional vessels.
The shipyard serves as the Ulstein Group’s development base for the detail design and assembling of capital and equipment intensive specialised vessels and is the Group’s most important expertise base for carrying out projects. Yard number 277 is an example of a complex project that has contributed to raise the level of Ulstein’s shipbuilding expertise.
The main yard is in Ulsteinvik, Norway, but there is also a department in Vanylven, Norway, where steel-sections for the main yard are built. The steel intensive components of the hull are manufactured at Maritim-Shipyard Sp. z.o.o. in Poland and production there is followed up by the Ulstein Poland Ltd. The hull was built at Maritim-Shipyard Sp. z.o.o. in Poland and the superstructure and the wheelhouse was built at the Ulstein Verft’s Vanylven department.

The design
Established in 1975, Vik-Sandvik AS is a world leading independent marine consultants design company situated in Fitjar, Norway specializing in fishing vessels, research vessels, offshore vessels, seismic vessels and conversions.
Vik-Sandvik AS offers a range of services to the maritime community, based on expertise and innovation utilising progressive and advanced technology.The company is a member of Vik-Sandvik Group which represents the largest independent source of ship designs and naval architectural services in Europe, capable of supplying design and complete drawing packages to ship owners and shipyards.
The Vik-Sandvik Group comprises several independent, complementary consultancy and engineering companies, all of which provide design and engineering services, consultancy and associated products to the ship building industry and shipping in general.
In total, for more than 30 years, the group’s companies have been resposible for the design and engineering of about 400 ships, of almost all types, built at shipyards throughout the world. For each type of ship designed, specialised knowledge, accumulated trough years of experience, is applied to integrate new technology into proven solutions to achieve products with which the customer is well served.

M/S «NORMAND SEVEN»
The work progression for the vessel has been:
•    Contract concluded 19 August 2005
•    Steelcutting 3 February 2006
•    Towing from Poland started 15 November 2006
•    Arrival Ulstein Verft 20 November 2006
•    Docking 23 November 2006
•    Launching 1 April 2007
•    Delivery from yard 6 July 2007

Main particulars:

The vessel has class with DNV ✠1A1, SF, E0, DynPos-AUTR, CLEAN DESIGN, COMF-V(3), HELDK-SH, ICE C, CRANE, DK (+), TMON. Arrangement and equipment according to NAUT-OSV. Flag: NIS.

Deck
In addition to the 250 tons offshore crane already mentioned, the vessel has a deck crane and two folding type cranes. The main winch has 250 tons capacity and the auxiliary winch is of 20 tons SWL.
The vessel is equipped with roll dampening system and anti heeling system. The heli-deck measures 22.2m in diameter.
The newbuilding is constructed for a complement of 100 persons, including 21 state cabins and 19 single cabins, mess and two dayrooms, conference rooms and hospital. The lifesaving equipment incorporates two enclosed lifeboats each of 102 persons and six life rafts of 35 persons each.

Machinery
M/S «NORMAND SEVEN» has diesel electric machinery and propulsion consisting of four main engines of 2880 kW each plus two main engines of 3840 kW each. Four main generators each has a rating of 2760 eKW and two are rated as 3690 eKW. The propeller plant consists of two azimuth thrusters each of 5000 kW. The vessel’s thruster equipment comprises two tunnel thrusters forward each of 1500 kW, one retractable azimuth forward of 2000 kW and one tunnel thruster aft, rated at 1500 kW. The vessel’s speed i about 16.5 knots.