Norway-based vessel operator Atlantic Offshore has placed an order for a new field support vessel (FSV) worth around EUR25m with Zamakona Yards, a Spain-based shipbuilding company, as part of its plan to modernize its fleet.
Based on Havyard Design HY820, the new FSV is currently under construction at Bilbao shipyard in Spain.
The vessel is expected to begin service in the second quarter of 2015 and will be operated by Shell UK over a period of five years.
Atlantic Offshore has signed deals for a total of nine new vessels, of which four are already delivered. The company currently has a total fleet of 24 ships, of which 19 are self-owned, and five are on management.
Atlantic Offshore has made huge investment to upgrade its fleet in the recent times, while Zamakona Yards has bagged about 40% of its new ship contracts.
Atlantic Offshore CEO Roy Wareberg said the new ships contain features beyond the emergency response they perform, such as towing, loading and storage capacity.
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