Vroon Offshore Services contracts two PX121 designed vessels
ULSTEIN has entered into an agreement with COSCO (Guang Dong) Shipyard Co. Ltd, China, on deliveries of ship design, power & control equipment and on-site follow-up services of two platform supply vessels of the PX121 design. The vessels are ordered by Vroon Offshore Services of the Netherlands, the company said in its press release.
“These two vessels are part of the Vroon commitment to our business partners and will support us in meeting their service requirements in the best possible way. All at Vroon are excited to welcome these new vessels to our fleet in 2015,’’ comments Jan-Piet Baars, Managing Director of Vroon Offshore Services.
“The PX121 is becoming increasingly attractive to oil companies as it offers a competitive combination of fuel-efficiency and cargo capacities/deadweight,” explains Sigurd Viseth, Managing Director of Ulstein Design & Solutions. “This translates to a performance level that is usually expected from larger PSVs, but at a medium-sized PSV cost - delivering excellent value-for-money for the owner and operator. We’re delighted that Vroon sees the compelling benefits of this vessel. We expect to see more newbuilds of the same design type in the years to come.”
Earlier in 2013, Vroon committed to two of the same PX121 design and equipment deals, with an option for a further two. Today’s agreement marks the declaration of that option.
Each of Vroon’s four PSVs is scheduled for delivery in 2015 and intended for operation in European waters. Measuring 83.4 metres in length, with a beam of 18 metres, they boast a rectangular cargo deck of 830 square metres and a load capacity of 4,200 tonnes (dwt).
Thanks to flexible tank capacities, the PX121 is set up to support drilling activities with longer and deeper boreholes and activities further from shore. In addition to tanks for oil, water and drilling fluids, the vessel also has two stainless steel tanks for flammable liquids or corrosive chemicals. Each ship will be equipped with dynamic positioning system Class II and meets the requirements of ‘Clean Design’, according to ABS class.
The PX121, which has a maximum speed of approximately 15 knots and modern accommodation for 23 people, also comes with the iconic ULSTEIN X-BOW®. The X-BOW offers efficiency over a wide draught range, which is important for PSVs as they often operate with varying loads. Furthermore, the X-BOW has unique, advantageous qualities in terms of motion and propulsion efficiency in moderate and heavy seas. Its innovative shape eliminates wave slamming and bow impact delivering better performance, while reducing noise and vibration, which in turn translates to enhanced crew comfort and safety levels.