Rolls-Royce signed a £10 million contract with Simon Møkster Shipping for a wave piercing offshore vessel with a new bow design that will go into service for Statoil in the Arctic region. The vessel is designed to pierce through the waves under harsh weather conditions, making it possible to keep a more constant speed, reduce the use of fuel and increase on board safety. Hans Robert Almestad, Rolls-Royce, General Sales Manager, said: “We are happy to be chosen by Simon Møkster Shipping to develop this highly innovative offshore vessel. Our wave piercing designs and other highly efficient technologies are becoming increasingly popular with customers seeking to reduce their operating costs and improve the environmental performance of their fleets.”
The vessel, which will be built by Spanish shipyard Gondan, is developed specifically for missions in the arctic region, and will be equipped to undertake oil spill recovery duties.
Due for delivery in 2014, the Rolls-Royce vessel includes an extensive range of advanced equipment, such as Azipull propellers, thrusters, the latest generation of automation and control systems and a dynamic positioning system (DP2) which uses GPS systems to ensure the vessel can hold its position even in rough seas.
The vessel will measure 92 x 20 m, with a 6 m design draft.