Swire Pacific Offshore (SPO) announces the delivery of Pacific Python, the last of eight new “P Class” Anchor Handling Tug Supply (AHTS) vessels built by Qingdao Qianjin Shipyard, marking the successful completion of the major part of an ongoing fleet replacement programme. This follows on from the delivery of her sister vessel Pacific Porpoise at the beginning of November.
Equipped with a 150-tonne line pull winch, Pacific Python and Pacific Porpoise are IMT957 design vessels, with 5,000 brake horse power (BHP) and a bollard pull of 64 tonnes. The versatile, fuel efficient vessels are well suited to perform a wide range of offshore support activities. The delivery of these two new vessels will increase SPO’s fleet size to 75 vessels, with an average age of less than ten years.
Mr Neil Glenn, Managing Director of Swire Pacific Offshore , said, “The delivery is an important milestone for us as it successfully concludes a significant order, underscoring our commitment to continuously invest in upgrading our fleet. We are happy to see the new vessels joining our specialist fleet to provide safe, reliable, and professional services to the offshore oil and gas industry. We will continue to develop our fleet to serve the future needs of the global offshore oil and gas industry, upholding our position as a leading service provider.”
SPO currently has commitments for 33 new vessels and will have a fleet of more than 100 vessels by 2015.
[mappress] World Maritime News Staff, December 7, 2011; Image: Swire Pacific Offshore