Atlantic Offshore Rescue, a standby vessel operator, will today, May 29, unveil the third new vessel in the past 12 months as part of its fleet modernisation programme, representing an investment totalling £300 million ($458.9 million).
Ocean Falcon, a brand new Class A Multi Role and Emergency Response and Rescue (MRV/ERRV) vessel, is to be christened at a ceremony at Aberdeen harbour today, before starting a contract with a “major UK operator”. Atlantic Offshore Rescue will provide emergency recovery, rescue cover, tanker assistance and general field support for offshore operations at the Curlew Field, in the North Sea.
The ship can accommodate 21 employees, and has the amenities to rescue up to 300 people. It has a towing capacity of up to 65 tons, measures 66.80 meters in length and 16 meters beam and features two MAN main engines with a power of 1935 kW each.
Ocean Falcon is a new H820 design from Havyard Ship Design. It was built and developed in Passai, Spain by Zamakona shipbuilders, in close collaboration with Atlantic Offshore Rescue over an 18 month period. Its sister ships, Ocean Tay and Ocean Osprey were launched in February and May 2014, respectively.
Matthew Gordon , managing director of Atlantic Offshore Rescue, said: “We are immensely proud to unveil Ocean Falcon, the third vessel to be launched as part of our extensive modernisation strategy. The vessel incorporates cutting edge technology, and it is due to this and the expertise and professionalism of our team that we have secured a lucrative contract with an oil and gas operator.
“We are trailblazing the way for emergency support vessels in the North Sea and this programme is part of our vision for strategic growth and commitment to offer the very best FSV and ERRVs to existing and potential clients, a vital assurance for offshore operations within the energy sector.”
The new vessel has secured 30 jobs and is one of 11 ERRVs managed by the company from its new 12,000 sq ft Aberdeen base at Waterloo Quay. The move, which took place earlier this year, totals an investment of £3.5 million over a ten-year lease period.
Gordon continued: “Moving into our new premises was is a real milestone in our history, and already marks a very successful year for Atlantic Offshore Rescue. Having outgrown our previous office we now have the capacity to accommodate future growth in the coming months and years. Being so close to Aberdeen harbour, we are also in a position to increase operational efficiency and better serve clients.”
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