The world's most powerful offshore vessel, the 'Far Sampson' has entered service with Norway's Farstad Shipping, following an acceptance ceremony in Edinburgh, UK.
Rolls-Royce developed the special UT 761 CD design, working closely with the ship owner. 'Far Samson's' main winches have demonstrated a continuous bollard pull of 423 tonnes using all available power and more than 377 tonnes using just the main engines. 'Far Sampson' is the latest of over 650 Rolls-Royce designed UT vessels either in service or under construction around the world.
'Far Sampson' was built by STX Europe and incorporates a wide range of new technology. The vessel is multifunctional and capable of carrying out heavy ploughing operations for pipes and cables on the seabed, as well as subsea installation work in ultra deep water, towing, remote underwater (ROV) and other challenging subsea operations.
It can cut trenches 2.5 metres deep in the seabed, one metre more than previously possible, in water up to 1,000 metres deep.
The vessel is 121.5 metres long with a 26-metre beam, weighing 15,260GT with a hull strengthened to Ice Class 1B, and is capable of 19 knots at top speed. A Rolls-Royce propulsion system combining diesel electric and diesel mechanical transmission provides optimal operating flexibility, fuel economy and minimum exhaust emissions.
The 'Far Sampson' is powered by Rolls-Royce diesel engines, manufactured in Bergen, Norway. All Bergen engines meet clean design class rules and catalytic converters are also fitted to the generator sets, giving a 95 percent nitrogen oxide reduction.
In addition to the diesel engines, the ship is steered by Rolls-Royce manufactured controllable pitch propellers which are over five metres in diameter, supplemented by Rolls-Royce thrusters.