10,850-HP AHTS Joins Seabulk Offshore Fleet

The Seabulk Offshore group of companies last week added a new UT-710 Anchor Handling Tug Supply Vessel (AHTS) to its fleet, making the 226-ft. Seabulk South Atlantic the fifth newbuild vessel in Seabulk's 2003 fleet renewal program. Built by Brevik Construction AS in Norway, the 10,850-hp Seabulk South Atlantic joins the Seabulk fleet on a five-year bareboat charter agreement that includes a purchase option at the end of the contract. Larry D. Francois, president of Seabulk Offshore, commented, "Seabulk South Atlantic is equipped with the latest technology and will service growing markets in West Africa, working with the major oil companies who are demanding modern, state- of-the-art equipment to support their multi-billion dollar developments in the deepwater offshore." The Seabulk South Atlantic produces speeds up to 15.5 knots, has a certified bollard pull of 133 metric tons, and provides a hefty triple-drum anchor handling/tow winch with up to 300 tons line pull and 450 tons brake load. The vessel also offers a large 123 by 50-ft. deck that can handle up to 800 tons of cargo. Designed by Rolls Royce Marine, the UT-710 incorporates a substantial amount of Rolls Royce equipment, including the main engines, thruster, rudder, automation and control systems. Fitted with high Liquid Mud and Brine capability as well as Fire Fighting FiFi 1 class notation and Dynamic Positioning DP 1, the vessel's versatile capabilities allow her to serve in a multiple support role assisting heavy-duty semi-submersible rigs for exploration and development drilling, as well as fulfilling the rapidly growing demand for offshore terminal support work. Earlier this year, Seabulk announced the addition of a newbuild Platform Supply Vessel (PSV) to its West Africa fleet -- Seabulk Africa, two newbuild bareboat charters -- AHTS Seabulk Badamyar and PSV Seabulk Nilar -- for Indonesia, a new line-handler for Brazil -- Seabulk Ipanema, and two newbuild PSVs for Brazil to be delivered in 2004 and 2005. With operations in nearly two dozen countries, the Seabulk Offshore group is Seabulk International's largest business segment, accounting for about half of total revenues. Seabulk Offshore's global fleet of 116 vessels serves customers in North America, South America and the Caribbean, West Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.