Shell UK has chartered a new Class A tanker from standby vessel operator Atlantic Offshore Rescue to support operations in the Gannet, Annasuria and the Dana Petroleum Triton Asset in the central North Sea.
The operator will lease the Ocean Osprey for five years, with a one year option to extend, securing 30 jobs at the Aberdeen-based Atlantic Offshore.
The vessel will be used to provide emergency recovery, rescue cover, tanker assistance and general field support in offshore operations.
She is the first of a new design from Havyard Ship Design and was developed in close collaboration with Aberdeen-based Atlantic Offshore.
The 220ft long vessel was built in Passai, Spain by Zamakona shipbuilders over a fifteen month period to replace Ocean Searcher, which was damaged in a three way collision in Aberdeen Harbour in 2011.
Two further sister vessels are also under construction as part of the company’s £300million fleet modernisation programme.
The new vessel is one of 12 emergency response and rescue vessels (ERRVs) managed by the company.
Ocean Osprey can accommodate up to 21 employees and has the capacity to rescue more than 300 persons. It will make its North Sea debut later this month to begin operations.
Atlantic Offshore Rescue is part of the Atlantic Offshore Group, which is based in Norway. It employs 350 people, including around 330 seamen and 20 office-based staff, and provides multi-role offshore and emergency rescue and response vessels for many of the oil majors operating in the North Sea.
John Bryce, managing director , said: “Securing this charter is down to the first class vessels we offer clients, as well as the experience and professionalism of our team.
“Ocean Osprey features some of the most up to date shipping technology, replaces Ocean Searcher and secures 30 jobs. Launching the new vessel is also part of our ongoing commitment to provide the very best, cutting edge emergency response to those operating in the North Sea, an absolutely crucial part of all oil and gas operations.”
In January this year, Atlantic Offshore Rescue commissioned a £6 million Class A ERRV vessel for a two year charter with Nexen Petroleum UK to provide emergency vessel cover for the operator’s flagship Golden Eagle Area Development in the North Sea.
Mr Bryce continued: “Obtaining this contract, our second long term charter this year, is a real milestone for Atlantic Offshore and, we look forward to fulfilling further contracts in the coming months.”
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