Viking boosts response fleet

March 16, 2007
Viking Offshore Services has taken delivery on the first of nine new emergency response and rescue vessels. All are being constructed at the Astilleros Zamakona shipyard in northern Spain, and all will be certified to operate in the four main North Sea sectors.

Offshore staff

ABERDEEN, UK --Viking Offshore Services has taken delivery on the first of nine new emergency response and rescue vessels. All are being constructed at the Astilleros Zamakona shipyard in northern Spain, and all will be certified to operate in the four main North Sea sectors.

The first of the deliveries, the 55 m (180 ft) longViking Discovery, initially will work for BP. The IMT 95 design, produced by IMT Marine Consultants, provides enhanced recovery and rescue features. All the vessels will be capable of serving multiple installations, as well as undertaking in-field cargo activities, offshore warehousing, and delivery of supplies.

Viking's investment program will allow it to gradually replace older vessels in its current 31-strong fleet, at the same time increasing the number of multi-role vessels.

3/16/2007