Offshore staff

LONDON -- Rolls-Royce has won a contract worth approximately GBP50 million ($98.95 million) to supply an integrated system for two offshore vessels to be built for Ezra Holdings subsidiary Lewek Shipping. Singapore based Pan-United Marine will build the vessels.

The new UT 788 CD design vessels, created to meet the shipowner's requirements, will have ultra deepwater anchor-handling, towing, and supply capabilities. They also will be suited for optional future activities such as subsea construction, ROV intervention, maintenance, and repair work.

The design minimizes the vessel's effect on the environment, Rolls-Royce says. Double bottom and double skin construction protects fuel tanks, and special consideration has been given to crew safety. To cut fuel consumption and reduce emissions, Rolls-Royce has developed a hybrid propulsion system that caters to the large differences in power demand in the various operating modes. The company's safer deck operations system, meanwhile, enhances crew safety. Remotely controlled traveling cranes and manipulators, a pennant wire winder, and other equipment reduce the amount of risky crew work needed on deck during anchor-handling operations, the company says.

The first of the UT 788 CD multifunctional vessels is scheduled for delivery in the first half of 2009. The sister will be delivered in the second half of the year.

5/31/2007