MARCH 14, 2013 — Edda Accommodation, operated by Norway's Østensjø Rederi, has placed an order for a new monohull accommodation vessel at Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. The order includes an option for a second vessel.

Designed by Salt Ship Design, the next generation newbuild  is 155 m long and will have a total accommodation capacity of 800 persons in one- or two-man cabins. The interior of the vessel is of executive standard, and will include 850 sq.m office space as well as recreation areas, such as modern gym, sauna, two swimming pools, conference rooms and an auditorium. Delivery of the first vessel will be in June 2015.

The newbuild will be equipped with a heave compensated telescopic gangway with a length of 55.5 m. In addition, a cargo deck area of 2000 sq.m, a 120t rig support crane and two supply cranes, will make the vessel highly suitable for cargo handling and construction support.

When finished, the vessel will provide construction support and additional living quarters for support personnel during commissioning, maintenance and decommissioning of offshore installations world-wide, including arctic areas.

The decision of ordering a new monohull accommodation vessel is a result of the successful experience with the company's existing accommodation vessel, Edda Fides. Since delivery in March 2011, Edda Fides has proven the capabilities of a monohull accommodation design, by successfully completing projects in the North Sea, the Mediterranean and Australia.

"Due to a proven concept and significantly lower investment and operating cost compared to semisubmersible accommodation rigs, the new accommodation vessels will be highly competitive in a market with anticipated fierce competition. We expect the additions to our fleet will enhance our position as a global provider of world-class accommodation services," says CEO Johan Rokstad.