Siem Offshore (SIOFF) has entered into a shipbuilding-contract with Fjellstrand AS in Norway.
The contract is for the construction of one Installation Support Vessel, with option for one additional vessel. The associated gross project cost for the first vessel, ready for operation, is approx. USD 55 million.
The firm vessel is scheduled for delivery in March 2014.
The vessel, which shall have an overall length of 74 meters and a beam of 17 meters, will be equipped with cranes, an accommodation for 60 persons and an active heave compensated gangway-based offshore transfer system allowing safe transfer of personnel to fixed and floating structures.
The vessel shall be used for operations within the offshore renewable energy market and within the offshore oil and gas market with regards to installation, repair, maintenance and general service duties.
The vessel will be of Ulstein SX 163 X-BOW design with a diesel electric propulsion system and with two Voith Schneider Rudder ECS propeller units, ensuring exceptional performances with respect to fuel efficiency, sea- and station keeping and speed.
[mappress] Press Release, October 10, 2012; Image: Ulstein