Farstad orders platform supply vessels at STX OSV

Norway’s Farstad Shipping ASA has placed an order for the first OSV to be built to a new wave piercing design by Rolls-Royce. The vessel is one of four platform supply vessels to be built under an agreement announced today between Farstad and STX OSV. The three others are of STX’s PSV 08CD design.

The newbuildings are part of Farstad’s fleet renewal program and represent an investment of approx. NOK 1.35 billion (about $226 million) excluding three option vessels. Delivery of the PSV’s is set for 2012 and 2013.

The Farstad deal appears to be the first reached by STX OSV since its spin off from STX Europe and listing on the Singapore stock exchange.

The Rolls-Royce wave-piercer is to be built at STX OSV’s Tomrefjord (Langsten), Norway, shipyard, as will one of the PSV 08 CD units with the other two being built at STX’s Vietnam yard.

The PSV 08 CD i is a newly developed, medium sized, diesel electric PSV with deck area approx. 800 sq. m.

The Rolls-Royce UT 754 WP offers a deck area of approx. 1,000 sq.m.

Rolls-Royce says it has received a GBP 12 million (about $19 million) order that includes vessel design and a comprehensive integrated power and propulsion system and equipment package that includes Azipull propellers, thrusters, and Bergen diesel engines.

A Rolls-Royce DP2 dynamic positioning system is also included, as is an ASFA (Automated Sea Fastening System) cargo securing system, giving secure positioning and securing of containers and pipes. . The Rolls-Royce contract also includes an option for a second vessel of the same specification and value.

Svein Kleven, Rolls-Royce, Chief Design Manager – Ship Technology, said: “Our wave-piercing designs have been specifically developed for the challenging offshore conditions in which our customers operate, and will deliver enhanced safety and performance benefits. We are delighted that Farstad Shipping has ordered the first of our new generation of offshore vessel designs and look forward to working with them throughout the development and construction of this technologically advanced vessel.”

Wave-piercing is a proven technology for high-speed catamarans and trimarans, and Rolls-Royce is now applying these cutting-edge, innovative concepts to the demanding offshore market, in which extreme operating conditions can pose serious challenges to vessel performance and crew safety.

Extensive research and computer aided design methods, verified by tank testing, have enabled Rolls-Royce to reduce hull resistance substantially through the development of a wave-piercing hull form, which eliminates slamming and allows for a smooth ride even in rough weather conditions. The hull pierces through the water, rather than riding on top of the waves, allowing the vessel to run continuously at service speeds regardless of the sea state, reducing fuel consumption and improving crew comfort.

Rolls-Royce has also developed wave-piercing hull designs for other vessel types including tugs, deep-sea anchor handlers, construction vessels and mobile offshore drilling ships.

November 17, 2010