STX Europe delivers Tidewater Enabler

Hard times for some in the offshore industry are bargain hunting opportunities for others. The latest delivery from STX Europe is the Multipurpose ROV and light construction vessel Tidewater Enabler.

The vessel was originally ordered by Aquanos AS, but was bought by Tidewater while under construction at STX Europe's Brevik yard in Norway for about $63 million.

The 96.25 m diesel electric vessel is equipped with a 100 ton active heave compensating crane, accommodations for 69 persons, firefighting equipment (Fifi I), DP2, a moonpool and a helideck. It also has the cargo capabilities to operate as a large platform supply vessel.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Delivery year: 2010

Length: 96.25 m

Breadth: 20.00 m

Draft: 6.66 m

Depth: 8.00 m

Engine output: 4 generator sets, each 2,200 kW

Propulsion: 2 off Contaz 2,200 kW

Passenger capacity: 69 persons

Gross tonnage: 4 769 t

Deadweight: 4 400 t

Classification: DNV X 1A1, SF, E0, DYNPOS-AUTR (IMO II), HELDECK, DK (+), HL (2.5), CLEAN DESIGN, NAUT-OSV(A), Crane Vessel, Comf-V(3)

Speed: 16 knots

At Tidewater's most recent analysts' conference Tidewater Chairman, President and CEO Dean Taylor said the company was "currently negotiating a couple opportunities for" the vessel and "was pretty close to one that's going to work out nicely for us, but we expect really for the quarter that we're in we will probably spot in the North Sea and then segue right into a term contract."

"The Enabler is a great piece of equipment," he said. "We've got some interesting short-term opportunities and then longer term, she's going to be great piece of equipment to fit into our portfolio. But obviously she's going to be shopping for work that makes sense for that vessel."