Norway: Kleven Books Order for Advanced Seismic Vessel

GC Rieber Shipping has entered into an agreement with Kleven Verft (Kleven) to build a new 22 streamer 3D seismic vessel with ice-class 1A. The newbuild represents an investment of approximately NOK 700 million (approx $127.6 Mln) and the vessel will be delivered from Kleven in the first quarter of 2015.

The advanced seismic vessel will be 113 meters long and 21.5 meters wide, and will have the capacity to accommodate 70 people. The vessel will be equipped with the capacity to tow 22 streamers. The contract with Kleven also includes an option for one additional vessel. The option expires in August 2013.

The vessel is of type ST 324 XT from Skipsteknisk, and is to be delivered from Myklebust Verft in March 2015. The advanced seismic vessel will meet ice class ICE 1A, providing a solid base for operations in arctic areas.

“A unique competence in operations in harsh environments has always been RC Rieber Shipping’s trade mark. In order to offer our customers the best solutions for demanding operations in vulnerable waters, quality, safety and environment is on top of our agenda,” said Irene Waage Basili, CEO of GC Rieber Shipping.

“We look forward to working together with GC Rieber Shipping on this complex project. GC Rieber is a solid company rich in tradition, and we are very pleased that they have chosen Kleven to build their new seismic vessel,” said Ståle Rasmussen, CEO of Kleven.

The contract is subject to final Board approval.

Kleven has 15 vessels on order, at a total value of around 8.1 billion NOK.

[mappress]

Press Release, February 14, 2013