Fairstar successfully tests Fjord

Offshore staff

ROTTERDAM, Netherlands -- Fairstar's heavy transport vessel Fjord has successfully completed three days of tests on all its ballast system.

The tests culminated in a complete submersion of the vessel's hull to a depth of 20 m (66 ft) below the surface, giving about 11 m (36 ft) water above the main deck.

The vessel is designed to for heavy floating cargoes such as semisubmersible drilling rigs with thrusters, jackup rigs with big spud can protrusion, and even deep-drafted nuclear submarines.

"It has been a difficult challenge, but everyone here in Malta has worked tirelessly to solve any problems that have presented themselves," says Philip Adkins, CEO of Fairstar. "We expect to finalize the final paperwork from DNV in the coming week, after which theFjord will enter the global fleet of heavy transport vessels."

02/04/2008