Vessel: Seabulk Gets 10,850-hp AHTS

Seabulk Offshore 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 in Norway by Brevik Construction, 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.

"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," said Larry D. Francois, president of Seabulk 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 x 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.