Next generation vessel to set new standards in the North Sea
The cutting edge 'Seven Viking' vessel, designed for operations in the "harshest environments", was unveiled and named at a ceremony in Stavanger, Norway, this week.
Touted as a next generation inspection, maintenance and repair (IMR) vessel, the 'Seven Viking' is co-owned by Subsea 7 and Eidesvik and has been constructed in partnership with Ulstein.
The ICE-C class vessel features a crew capacity of 90 and a top speed of 17 knots. Slated tol work for Statoil on a five year contract, the vessel was custom-built according to the operator's specifications to carry out tasks including inspection, maintenance and repair of subsea installations in addition to scale treatment and RFO work scopes (Ready For Operations).
The vessel's Godmother is to be Christine Sagen Helgø, the Mayor of Stavanger.
Stuart Fitzgerald, Subsea 7's vice president for Norway, said: "The collective effort and strong cooperation between Ulstein, Eidesvik and Subsea 7 has resulted in the 'Seven Viking'. The 'Seven Viking' represents another class-leading asset in the Subsea 7 fleet and captures Subsea 7's unparalleled experience with IMR operations in harsh environments. The design and build of this state of the art vessel would not have been possible without the expertise and dedication of many people within both Subsea 7 and our project partners, and we take pride in their achievement. We look forward to many years of safe and efficient operations with 'Seven Viking' for our customer, Statoil."
Jan Fredrik Meling, CEO of Eidesvik Offshore, said: "We in Eidesvik are very satisfied with the close and constructive cooperation with Subsea 7. The relationship between our companies has developed over many years and has enabled us, together with Ulstein, to launch this outstanding vessel."
Gunvor Ulstein, Ulstein Group CEO said, "Ulstein is proud to deliver a vessel of unmatched technical and operational capacity in its sector, and I am confident that the 'Seven Viking' will meet Statoil's expectations."
The 'Seven Viking' incorporates the X-BOW® hull line design to reduce motion in transit and gives increased stability in the potentially high waves that characterise the North Sea. Despite this enviable stability usually associated with size, this version of the Ulstein SX148 design has been refined to be compact in stature – measuring only 106.5 metres in length and with a beam of 24.5 metres. These dimensions will allow the 'Seven Viking' to manoeuvre with ease in confined spaces, such as between platforms, accessing difficult to reach areas.
Featuring maximised hull space configurations and equipment integration within a large hangar area, the 'Seven Viking' and its crew have the ability to carry all necessary maintenance equipment on board, ensuring that operational downtime is kept to a minimum. Safety, efficiency and environmental considerations have also been a prime focus for the three partners, and the vessel carries the Clean Design notation.
A customised module handling system (MHS) has been integrated in the ship's hangar for the safe launch and retrieval of subsea modules weighing up to 70 tonnes through the moon pool.
To facilitate co-operation and communication, all operational personnel are gathered in one area adjacent to the hangar, with panoramic windows in the control room giving a full overview of this key activity area. The 'Seven Viking' has been developed to meet the highest working environment standards, and is classified as a comfort class COMF-V (3) vessel. Minimal noise levels in the hangar have been achieved by opting for electric winches for the ROVs, the MHS and other utility equipment.
Notable environmental initiatives include diesel electric propulsion, which reduces atmospheric emissions, and electrical winches that nullify the risk of emissions of hydraulic oil.
