Norwegians to Build IMT Field Support Vessels in Russia

Norway's KS North Sea Rescue AS has chosen an IMT 955-N design for a series of six Field Support Vessels to be built at the Yaroslavsky Shipbuilding Plant, Russia. The vessels are a modified version of the IMT Marine Consultants IMT 955 design of which nine are currently building at Astilleros Zamakona, Spain, for Vroon Offshore.

The Russian-built vessels will be operated by Stavanger-based Simon Møkster Shipping AS. The deal to choose a UK design to build at a Russian yard was brokered by Norwegian brokers Fearnleys, and the deal includes all equipment, which will be supplied through Russian firm VMF Shipping.

The multi-role IMT 955-N vessels are 55.0 m LOA Field Support Vessels and will carry out logistics support offering cargo fuel, cargo potable water and deck cargo alongside their primary role as standby rescue vessels. They are fitted with extensive ship/ship, ship to shore and ship/air communications to allow the vessel to act as a command and control centre in the event of an offshore facility emergency or disaster, as well as having extensive search, rescue, treatment and recovery facilities for injured personnel or personnel in the water and emergency towing facility for assisting stricken vessels clear of offshore installations.