Rolls-Royce is to deliver an extensive package of advanced deck machinery to six new high-end anchor handling tug supply vessels (AHTS) to be built by Kleven in Norway for the Danish ship owner Maersk Supply Service. The contract with Kleven is worth in excess of £54m to Rolls-Royce, and includes an option for an additional four vessels. This represents the largest single contract for deck machinery that Rolls-Royce has won, the company said in its press release.
The 95m long vessels are designed by Salt Ship Design, and will be built at Kleven's two shipyards in Norway: Kleven Verft and Myklebust Verft.
Each vessel is of Salt200 design and will be equipped with a triple drum main anchor handling winch with a pull capacity of 500 tonnes; two secondary winches; cargo securing winches and other auxiliary winches; and a dry bulk cargo system. The delivery from Rolls-Royce also includes rudders and steering gear for all six vessels. An additional option for an Anchor Recovery Frame, used for assisting launch and recovery of anchors, is also specified.
Ståle Rasmussen, CEO of Kleven, said: "We look forward to working closely with Rolls-Royce on this large and important project for Maersk. This large order shows the capabilities of the maritime cluster in Norway, and close cooperation within the cluster is an asset to our customers."
Rolls-Royce offers the broadest range of deck machinery products in the marine market, and is able to offer customers a full system from one supplier, including services.
John Knudsen, President Commercial Marine, Rolls-Royce, said: "The more complex vessels become, and the greater the focus on safety and efficiency, the more differentiated are the kinds of deck machinery our customers need. We are very proud to be chosen by Kleven and Maersk for this significant order."
The first six vessels are to be delivered from the Kleven yards between Q4 2016 and Q3 2017. If options for an additional four vessels are declared, the last vessel in the series will be delivered in Q1 2018.