Equinor Starts Operating First Hybrid PSV in Brazilian Waters
The first hybrid Platform Supply Vessel (PSV), which uses batteries and diesel for propulsion, has started operating for Equinor in Brazil.With the battery bank installed, the PSV is able to operate with hybrid propulsion, switching between the use of electricity and diesel. This is expected to reduce emissions by up to 40% during vessel’s activities.The PSV will be part of the logistics of the Bacalhau field, in the Santos Basin, where Equinor has a majority stake secured in…
Equinor Sanctions $8B Bacalhau Field Development in Brazil
Norwegian oil and gas company Equnior has made a final investment decision for the development of the Bacalhau field offshore Brazil.The development of the field located in the Santos Basin will cost around $8 billion. Arne Sigve Nylund, Equinor’s executive vice president for Projects, Drilling, and Procurement said: "This is an exciting day. Bacalhau is the first greenfield development by an international operator in the pre-salt area and will create great value for Brazil, Equinor, and partners.
Australia: Murray Mouth Dredging Starts
Dredging of the River Murray mouth has begun as the South Australian Government was granted funding from the Murray Darling Basin Authority to keep the channel open over summer. The State and Commonwealth Governments announced in December dredging would be undertaken to keep the mouth open. A dredge will pump more than 1,300 cubic meters of sand a day to nearby Sir Richard and Younghusband Peninsulas. SA River Murray Minister Ian Hunter said conditions of the mouth in the Coorong had "deteriorated significantly" over the last few months and there is no other go than dredging should begin soon. It’s important that the mouth remains open to allow the exchange of water between the Coorong and the Southern Ocean which helps to keep Coorong ecosystems healthy.
STX Finland Constructs South African Research Vessel
STX Finland Oy and the South African Department of Environmental Affairs has signed a contract for construction of a Polar Supply and Research Vessel. The ship with a value of approximately $173m will bring some 600 man-years of work. The ship will be build in the Rauma shipyard and it will be delivered in spring 2012. The ship will function as a multi-purpose vessel, serving, among other things, as a supply vessel, research vessel, icebreaker, expedition vessel, as well as a passenger ship.
