Offshore staff

LAFAYETTE, Louisiana -- Superior Offshore International has awarded Netherlands-based Merwede Shipyards a contract for a newbuild of a 430 ft x 72 ft DP3 subsea construction vessel. Anticipated delivery is to take place in June, 2008.

The ship will have accommodations for 158 people and will be constructed with both a diving moonpool and working moonpool. Initially designed for a 12-man 1,000 ft saturation diving system with a hyperbaric lifeboat, it will have the capability to support an additional 24-man dual bell saturation system when required. Crane capacity consists of one 160 -ton crane, one 140-ton heave compensated crane capable of lowering a 70-ton load to 6,000 ft, and a 24-ton man riding certified crane. The ship will also have a 300-ton heave compensated A+R winch capable of working in depths up to 10,000 ft.

"This ship is a perfect compliment to the saturation diving services we presently offer," says Jim Mermis, Superior Offshore president and CEO. "It will also give us the opportunity to support the large deepwater contractors with its construction capabilities and will enable us to achieve our long-range plan to enter the deepwater small diameter tieback market."

10/3/06