Gulf Offshore expands fleet with Highland Princess PSV

On Saturday 22nd March 2014, the Rosetti Marino shipyard in Ravenna, Italy delivered Platform Supply Vessel (PSV) “HIGHLAND PRINCESS” to Gulf Offshore N.S. Ltd^ headquartered in Aberdeen.

This PSV was built in Rosetti Marino’s San Vitale Shipyard and is the second of the two sister ships which were ordered in October 2011 by the Scottish Shipping Company.
Gulf Offshore N.S. Ltd, a North Sea subsidiary of GULFMARK OFFSHORE, Inc. based in Houston, Texas (USA), operates a highly specialised fleet of Platform Supply Vessels in the North Sea, Africa and the Mediterranean.
Before taking on its current name, “HIGHLAND PRINCESS” was registered at the Ravenna Harbour Master’s Office with the temporary name of “Newbuilding C.l 11 Rosetti”. It has a length of 75 metres, a breadth of 16 metres and a deadweight of over 3,000 t.

The ship’s propulsion is made up of 2 variable pitch propellers, each with a diameter of approximately 3 metres and set at the end of shafts driven by 2 General Electric diesel engines producing a total power of 5,580 kW (approximately.. 7600 hp).

Peak speed is over 14.5 knots, with a cruising range of about 3,500 miles and excellent manoeuvrability is guaranteed by 4 thrusters.
HIGHLAND PRINCESS boasts cutting edge Rolls-Royce Marine engineering, automation and technology and it has been designed to provide assistance to offshore oil platforms and to transport equipment and material to and from the platforms guaranteeing safe operation of the vessel in all weather and sea conditions.

Highland Princess’s Godmother was Mrs. Lisa Rubio, wife of GulfMark’s Senior Vice President, Controller & Chief Accounting Officer, Sam Rubio.

The Godmother cut the ribbon to christen the ship at 11:30. This took place at the Rosetti Marino San Vitale Shipyard managed by Cesario Mondelli in the presence of the authorities, guests, top management of both companies and their employees and families. This special occasion coincides with the start of expansion and development work at the San Vitale Shipyard, which demonstrates how the Ravenna based Company led by Daniele Rossi is eager to adapt to the new offshore vessel market. These vessels are progressively increasing in size – especially in width – and therefore require a larger yard construction area. After the ceremony, Highland Princess set sail to its first operational base in the Mediterranean.