A hi-tech deep sea vessel was last night berthed at a north-east harbour after paying a flying visit to the region.
TechnipFMC’s newbuild Deep Explorer was first launched before Christmas last year in Norway and could be seen in Peterhead’s port yesterday.
Featuring an array of modern technology, the massive ship was built by Vard Tulcea shipyard in Romania before being towed to Vard Langsten in Norway for its outfitting.
Among its features is a 24-man twin bell saturated dive system – rated to 1,148ft – and working moonpool.
A spokesman for TechnipFMC said: “She is the most modern and versatile DSV in the world, thanks to her latest technology diving control system, 400 TE box boom crane, large deck area, working moonpool and work-class ROVs.
“Deep Explorer is capable of working globally on diving and subsea construction projects, even in extreme weather conditions.”
Yard director and senior vice president at Vard Langsten, Dag Vikestrand, added: “It has been a great honour for us in Vard to be a part of this exciting project.
“The knowledge, skills and experience of all parties involved have been key factors in achieving the design and build of this impressive vessel.”
The deep sea firm operates a fleet of 18 vessels in total, with four more under construction.
It specialises in pipeline installations and subsea construction across the world.
The Deep Explorer is expected to depart from Peterhead this morning to commence its first job at Nigg.
The impressive ship is 514ft long, 88ft wide and has a deadweight of 11,000 tonnes.
It can accommodate up 150 people throughout the course of a project.
Peterhead Harbour has played host to numerous impressive ships in recent years, including the QE2 which visited the town to mark Scottish Week in 1999.