Offshore staff

STAVANGER, Norway -- Charters for three newbuild anchor handling tugs were let by Statoil to Solstad Offshore and Havila Shipping. These new vessels were designed following Statoil's challenge to increase safety in AHTs.

"This challenge was accepted by the industry," says Terje Overvik, executive vice president for exploration & production Norway.

"The ships we're now chartering incorporate pioneering technology which enhances safe working as well as substantially reducing nitrogen oxide emissions."

The multifunctional design means they also can be used for oil spill clean-up, stand-by and supply services, and as mother ships for simple subsea operations.

HavilaMars and Havila Mercury are under construction at Havyard Leirvik in western Norway for delivery next March and July, respectively.

This Normand Ferking unit is under construction at Flekkefjord Slipp & Maskinfabrikk in southern Norway for delivery in April next year.

10/12/06