'Far Samson', designed by Rolls-Royce and built by STX Europe for Farstad Shipping in Norway, will receive Offshore Support Journal's "Ship of the Year 2009" award.
Rolls-Royce developed the design of the UT 761 CD working closely with Farstad to meet the terms of a long-term charter contract. 'Far Samson', which was formally named and delivered in March, has demonstrated a continuous bollard pull of 423 tonnes using all available power and more than 377 tonnes using her main propulsion system.
Apart from its world record-breaking bollard pull, 'Far Samson' is an innovative vessel in many respects, and incorporates a wide range of new technology.
It is a multifunctional offshore vessel and is capable of carrying out heavy ploughing operations for pipes and cables on the seabed, as well as subsea installation work in ultra-deepwater, along with towing, deploying ROVs and conducting a range of subsea operations.
The vessel can cut trenches in the seabed in water up to 1,000 metres deep.
At 121.5 metres in length with a 26-metre beam, 'Far Samson' also has an ice-strengthened hull to Ice Class 1B, and is capable of more than 19 knots.
The vessel also benefits from an innovative hybrid propulsion system combining diesel-electric and diesel-mechanical transmission, which provides optimal operating flexibility, fuel economy and reduced exhaust emissions.
The diesel engines on board meet Clean Design class rules and catalytic converters are also fitted to the generator sets, giving a 95 percent nitrogen oxide reduction.
Farstad Shipping, Rolls-Royce Marine and STX Europe will receive the award on June 11 in Norway.