Rolls-Royce design for wave piercing offshore vessel

Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, has signed an £11 million contract with Spanish shipyard Gondan for a wave piercing offshore vessel to be delivered to Simon Møkster Shipping in Norway.

The vessel is designed to pierce through the waves under harsh weather conditions, making it possible to keep a more constant speed, reduce the use of fuel and increase on board safety. This fits with Simon Møkster’s philosophy of developing the most environmentally friendly fleet possible. The vessel, type UT 776 WP, will also feature the Rolls-Royce Unified Bridge, making the command centre of the vessel one of the most modern that exists today.

This is the second vessel of this design ordered by Simon Møkster Shipping in Norway, the first is scheduled for delivery from Gondan in August 2014.

John Knudsen, Rolls-Royce, President Offshore, said: “We are happy to be chosen again by Gondan and Simon Møkster Shipping to develop this highly innovative offshore vessel. Our experiences working closely together on the first vessel have been no less than excellent. It’s also encouraging to note how fast our wave piercing offshore vessel concepts have been accepted among vessel owners and operators as a highly effective solution.”

The vessel is developed specifically for missions in the arctic region and will be equipped to undertake oil spill recovery and fire fighting duties.

The delivery from Rolls-Royce includes an extensive range of advanced in board equipment, such as Azipull propellers, thrusters, DP2 dynamic positioning system, the latest generation of automation and control systems including the Unified Bridge, Automated Sea Fastening System (ASFA) to secure deck cargo and a dry bulk system. The vessel is expected to be delivered in 2016.