The contract is for a high specification, 107-metre long Expedition Support Vessel, specially designed for long expeditions in rough waters.
The new vessel will accommodate 60 people and is to be equipped with a helipad and helicopter hangar. It will be built at Kleven Verft in Ulsteinvik and is scheduled for delivery in December 2014. The vessel blends a robust, hard-working character with luxurious added extras, including a swimming pool and its own 21m tender boat on the bow.
Svein Rune Gjerde, CEO of Marin Teknikk, says that the project is an exciting one for the design supplier:
"One year ago Marin Teknikk was contacted by the shipowners asking if we would design a so-called Expedition Support Vessel," he comments. "We find that shipowners like our design styles and value our considerable experience - spanning from the design of service vessels to the oil and gas industry, to our ocean-going fishing vessels. It has been exciting to be able to utilise the know-how of our employees to develop a luxury vessel of this type, which is being constructed for a rather different use than the offshore vessels we usually work with on a daily basis."
Ståle Rasmussen, CEO of Kleven, is enjoying collaborating with Marin Teknikk. He comments: "We have worked with Marin Teknikk for many years, developing numerous offshore vessels together, and the collaboration between us always works well. This vessel is a good example of our ability to develop and build specialized vessels and prototypes."
He continues: "The shipowners chose us because they wanted Norwegian design and construction at Norwegian shipyards, due to quality standards, delivery times and price. We are delighted to have won the competition based on these criteria."