DANISH shipping company Esvagt has ordered a standby/rescue vessel of the Ulstein SX123 design specifically equipped for the Eni-operated Goliat field located north of the Arctic Circle, off the coast of Finnmark.
The decision to build is underpinned by a 10-year contract between Esvagt and Eni, with the order placed at the Zamakona shipyard in Bilbao, Spain.
The emergency-response vessel, which has a diesel-electric propulsion system, will be among the most advanced built for European operations.
This particular vessel will be “optimised” for Arctic maritime conditions, which are among the most hostile in the world. It will also be equipped with the latest oil-spill readiness equipment.
The ship particularly differs from other standby ships because it will be able to bring daughter craft and rescue boats directly on board through a special stern arrangement, even under difficult weather conditions with waves of up to 10m (33ft).
The ship will be able to cope with up to 370 accident victims, and be able to double as a tow and salvage unit.
The SX 123 class features the distinctive, bluff Ulstein X-Bow which, among other demonstrated advantages over more conventional ship front ends, allows higher transit speed in rough weather, helps minimise fuel consumption, decreases spray and reduces vibration levels.
The Esvagt vessel will measure 80m (262ft) length overall and have a breadth of 17m (55.7ft).
It will be capable of more than 16 knots in calm weather and will be furnished for a crew of 40.