The Russian-built vessels will be operated by Stavanger-based Simon Møkster Shipping AS. The deal to choose a UK design to build at a Russian yard was brokered by Norwegian brokers Fearnleys, and the deal includes all equipment, which will be supplied through Russian firm VMF Shipping.
Neil Patterson, managing director of IMT Marine Consultants, part of the Offshore Ship Designers group, says, "This is an exciting development, and we look forward to bringing this innovative design to the Norwegian market, and also to working with a Russian yard. The vessels are state of the art and offer excellent performance and minimal environmental foot print, while being very versatile and able to operate anywhere on the pan-European continental shelf."
The multi-role IMT 955-N vessels are 55.0 m LOA Field Support Vessels and will carry out logistics support offering cargo fuel, cargo potable water and deck cargo alongside their primary role as standby rescue vessels. They are fitted with extensive ship/ship, ship to shore and ship/air communications to allow the vessel to act as a command and control centre in the event of an offshore facility emergency or disaster, as well as having extensive search, rescue, treatment and recovery facilities for injured personnel or personnel in the water and emergency towing facility for assisting stricken vessels clear of offshore installations.