Standby vessel operator Atlantic Offshore Rescue has commissioned a £6million vessel for a long-term charter with Nexen – creating 30 jobs.
The Aberdeen-based firm said the new vessel, Ocean Tay, a Class-A Emergency Response and Rescue Vessel (ERRV), will provide emergency vessel cover for Nexen’s flagship Golden Eagle area development in the North Sea. The charter will last a minimum of two years.
Atlantic, part of the Bergen-based Atlantic Offshore Group, employs 350 people and provides emergency rescue and response vessels for many of the oil majors operating in the North Sea.
John Bryce, managing director of Atlantic, said: “This is a significant contract for the company and is one of a number of agreements with major operators, both retained and new clients, which we secured throughout 2013.” Ocean Tay underwent conversion at Wear Dock & Engineering, in Sunderland, to become one of a fleet of 12 ERRVs Atlantic manages out of Aberdeen.
The 63metre vessel has the capacity to accommodate a crew of 20 people and, as a Class-A ERRV, can rescue in excess of 300 persons.
Mr Bryce added: “We worked closely with our contracted partners to successfully convert Ocean Tay with the utmost attention over a three-month period to meet the needs of Nexen. We are very proud of the outcome.”
The Norwegian group has invested approximately £300million in its fleet modernisation programme in the last three years.
This is the second of two high-specification ERRVs which the company has commissioned in recent months.
The first, Ocean Troll, is Atlantic’s principal relief vessel supporting the fleet in the North Sea.
In addition, the company has two further ERRV/TAVs under construction for delivery in 2014 and 2015. Mr Bryce said: “Sound emergency response is absolutely crucial for all in the oil and gas sector and we aspire to provide the very best vessel support in the North Sea.”
The group operates a fleet of 24 ERRVs and PSVs, including 12 vessels managed by its Aberdeen division.
The firm also manages PSVs for third parties. Atlantic was previously Sartor Offshore Rescue and has operated since 1995.
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