Offshore staff
ABERDEEN, UK-- C&M Group has contracted A&P Tyne to convert the former Russian Class ice-breaker into a DP-3 flotel.
The 14,000 metric ton (15,432 ton)Ice Maiden is scheduled to arrive in South Tyneside on Saturday, May 24.
The vessel will be brought to A&P Tyne Ltd. in Hebburn, on the south side of the river Tyne, by the heavy-lift vesselFairstar Fjord. Once finished, it will be the only mono hull vessel of its type and capability, accommodating almost 400 people and able to operate anywhere in the world.
The multi-million dollar contract was awarded by the C&M Group on behalf of the vessel's owners, Silters.
"The Ice Maiden is a unique vessel capable of operating in the harshest climates in the world," says Jim Eccles, project manager of the conversion for C&M. "As such, the work necessary to convert her poses a unique set of challenges and expertise which we are confident can be delivered by A&P Tyne."
The final stage of work on the project is under way and scheduled to be complete by early 2009, Eccles said.
The project will require the fitting of some 1,400 metric tons (1,543 tons) of new accommodation block steel work, accommodation for 399 people which include all the necessary services to support the personnel to be carried.
There will be a further 1,900 metric tons (2,094 tons) of steel work fabricated and fitted to form new decks and machinery spaces. Eight new generating sets will be fitted to power eight new thrusters, giving the vessel full DP-3 dynamic positioning capability.
When complete, the vessel will be the first of its type to be fully Ice Classed and will be capable of operating in conditions of minus 40° C.
05/22/08
