Noordhoek Orders Vessel

Noordhoek Offshore B.V., based in Zierikzee - The Netherlands, ordered a newbuild diving offshore construction support (DOCS) vessel for itsNorth Western European operations. The delivery of this new vessel is scheduled for the second half of 2009, following its delivery it will join the Noordhoek fleet.

This new, state-of-the-art vessel is, specifically designed for efficient diving operations in the harsh North Sea environment. The new vessel will have an 76 metres overall length, 18 metre beam, 100 tonne main crane and accommodation for 70 people. The vessel will have Class 2 Dynamic Positioning and be in compliance with the most demanding maritime and environmental regulations worldwide. The 12-man, single bell, saturation diving system will utilise the latest technology. The vessel will be designed primarily for Saturation, Air and TUP (Transfer Under Pressure) diving operations at depths of up to 200m. However with a clear deck space of 685m2, the 100 tonne main crane and a dual Light Work and Observation class ROV spread, the new build will clearly be a multi role vessel suitable for worldwide deployment.

The vessel’s design will reflect Noordhoek’s 47 years experience of successful diving operations in the North Sea and it will greatly enhance Noordhoek’s diving capabilities. Leen Noordhoek, Noordhoek’s Managing Director, stated: “We are delighted with the new addition of this diving support vessel. It continues our fleet rejuvenation programme and adds an industry leading asset to our operations in the North Sea. The availability of this new vessel will enable us to fulfill one of our strategic objectives of having the ability in winning challenging projects and enable us to undertake subsea construction and inspection, repair and maintenance work from a vessel which will differentiate Noordhoek from its competitors in terms of safety, efficiency and productivity. With the current market situation we are in an unique position of now being able to offer the exceptional capabilities of this vessel to our clients. The investment in a new vessel also demonstrates our vast commitment to the subsea industry”.

Noordhoek Offshore B.V. is a leading provider of subsea construction, diving, ROV and survey services to the offshore oil and gas industry, serving operators and contractors internationally and domestically in the North Sea. Construction services include installation, upgrading and decommissioning of pipelines and production infrastructure. Diving, ROV and survey services include inspection, repair and maintenance services and support services for subsea infrastructure and underwater structures.