JUNE 19, 2013 — Norway's Siem Offshore is in discussion with several shipyards for construction of a new dual fueled large-size platform supply vessel (PSV). The vessel is to start operations in 2015 under a contract with A/S Norske Shell and will work in the North Sea to support offshore activities at, among others, Draugen and Ormen Lange.

This is the first long-term PSV contract Siem Offshore has signed with Norske Shell in the Norwegian sector and it will be the first time in 20 years that Norske Shell has chartered a newbuild vessel for its marine operations.

Siem says the agreement is "made at market terms" and is for an initial period of three years, with two one-year options. The contract will commence in first quarter 2015.

The vessel is to be of VS 4411 DF design with an overall length of 89 meters and a beam of 19 meters and with maximum 5,500 dwt.

The vessel is designed in collaboration with Wärtsilä Ship Design, and will have a dual fuel system for the use of either LNG or Marine Diesel Oil. It will be equipped with the most modern solutions for fire-fighting and emergency preparedness and have a deck of approx. 970 sq.m. The under deck tank configuration will include systems for handling of drill cuttings, in addition to liquid and dry bulk.