On Saturday 7 November 2009, the launch of the Noordhoek Pathfinder took place at the De Hoop Shipyard in Foxhol – The Netherlands. She is a 203.4-ft DPII ROV and Survey Support Vessel.
The launching ceremony was officiated by Julia Anna Noordhoek, granddaughter of Leen Noordhoek and daughter of Cees Noordhoek, Directors of Noordhoek.
The Noordhoek Pathfinder is currently undergoing the final stages of installation and commissioning of the crane and survey spread prior to commencing sea trials. The Noordhoek Pathfinder will be fully commissioned and ready for deployment in Q1 2010.
The Noordhoek Pathfinder is mobilised with a Grade 2 Dynamic Positioning system (DPII), diesel electric drive, a large moon pool, a 25 Tonnes offshore crane. She is also equipped with Work & Inspection Class ROV systems, Side Scan Sonar Tow-Fish, McCartney Focus 2 ROTV systems and a technologically advanced survey suite.
With accommodation for 40 people split between single and double cabins she will be a very comfortable and spacious vessel to work on. The Noordhoek Pathfinder exceeds the latest environmental and acoustic standards ensuring quiet operations whilst at survey speeds.
The most accurate and reliable survey equipment will be installed and the systems will have full plug and play interconnectivity. The vessel’s main functions will be inspection, repair and maintenance, hydrography, geotechnical investigation, and analogue / digital geophysical survey.
The addition of the Noordhoek Pathfinder to the Noordhoek fleet demonstrates the company's strong commitment to the IRM and Survey market in the North Sea where Noordhoek currently operates the DPII DSV Noordhoek Singapore.
The Noordhoek Constructor, Noordhoek’s other new build is a 76m DPII Saturation Dive Support Vessel. She is also undergoing the final stages of construction and is due to commence operations in early Q1 2010 strengthening Noordhoek’s expertise in this field.
(www.noordhoek.net)