Design Agreement with Ulstein Design

Bourbon Offshore Norway AS has entered into an agreement with Ulstein Design AS for delivery of design packages for two platform supply vessels of the ULSTEIN PX105-type. The agreement also includes two optional vessels.

Tore Ulstein, Vice President of the Ulstein Group, says the contract strengthens

the company’s long-term relationship with BOURBON. “Our cooperation with BOURBON

has lead to new and exciting solutions which enable us to increase the total

value of our products,” he says.

According to Trond Myklebust, managing

director of Bourbon Offshore Norway, The vessels contain three innovative

solutions: Multifunctional multipurpose tanks, a new exhaust system and an

unobstructed, 360 degree view from the bridge.

“The vessel design

consists of combination tanks for different types of cargo,” explains technical

manager, Bjørn Bergsnes in Bourbon Offshore Norway. “This includes cargo such as

dry bulk, oil recovery (ORO), mud, brine, drill cuttings and synthetic fluids,

which increases the flexibility of ship operations.” The solution has been

developed in cooperation with Bourbon Offshore Norway, Ulstein Design, PG Marine

Group - Ing Per Gjerdrum and Flowsafe, and has been named the “Multi Application

Cargo Solution” (MACS).

The vessels will also have a new exhaust system.

”Instead of being funnelled through the casing and over the bridge, the exhaust

is piped through a new system and expelled just above the waterline,” says

Bergsnes.

The system, named “Waterline Exhaust Solution”, includes water

injection, which cools the exhaust temperature while reducing harmful emissions,

and since vessels equipped with this system no longer require a funnel, officers

have a 360 degree unobstructed view from the bridge. “This design enables

improved operational safety, less noise, and more space for accommodation,”

explains Bergsnes.

Myklebust says the new vessels are consistent with

the company’s values. “We at Bourbon want to be on the cutting edge and adopt

new solutions,” he says. “We remain committed to creating a safer workplace, a

cleaner environment and better working conditions aboard our vessels. These

three new solutions are thus in keeping with our principal objectives,” he says.

“It is very important for us that the company is prepared for strict

regulations for transport of chemicals within supply vessels. We believe that

there will be great focus on this in the years to come,” says Eirik Eide,

marketing director of Bourbon Offshore Norway AS. “Being an innovative

locomotive will hopefully attract qualified personnel. We have already tested

the ideas on some of our customers, and we have gained positive feedback such as

’Finally!’ and ‘This is the future!’”

While the building yards have yet

to be announced, the contract also includes equipment packages from Ulstein

Elektro.