Offshore support services company Tidewater Marine has taken delivery of 'Boutros Tide' and 'Chayaride Tide', the second and third in a series of four newbuild anchor handling tug/supply (AHTS) vessels from Guangxin Shipbuilding and Heavy Industry (formerly known as GMG Shipbuilding and Heavy Industry) in South China.
The Vanuatu-flagged vessels are specifically designed to meet demands for efficient and safe management in growing offshore oil and gas field development in Middle East. The last vessel in the series, 'Mossalem Tide', is expected to be delivered in December.
Designed by Khiam Chuan Marine, the DP2-equipped vessels measure 58.7 metres in length overall, 14.6 metres across the beam and 4.75 metres in draught. They are powered by twin Caterpillar 3516B engines, rated 1,390kW at 1,600rpm, driving four-bladed controllable-pitch propellers to deliver a trial speed of 13.5 knots and a designed bollard pull of 65 tonnes.
