Shipowner and operator, Swire Pacific Offshore Operations (SPO) has launched its new D-Class vessel, Pacific Dragon (pictured).
The launch and naming ceremony was held at ST Marine shipyard and marked the completion of the eight-vessel D-Class series of 240T bollard pull, flexible, environmentally-friendly anchor handling tug supply vessels (AHTS).
“The D-Class vessels represent a significant investment for SPO, forming a central part of our fleet expansion, re-balance and renewal strategy to meet the growing demand for large, modern, high specification, deep water, offshore support vessels. We are very pleased with their range of operational capabilities and safety and technical performance in serving the needs of our customers around the world,” says SPO MD Neil Glenn.
Vessels in the D-Class series delivered to date include Pacific Defiance (28 February 2013), Pacific Diligence (3 April 2013), Pacific Dolphin (15 August 2013), Pacific Dove (3 January 2014), Pacific Discovery (3 March 2014), Pacific Duchess (6 March 2014). Pacific Dispatch is scheduled to be delivered in mid June 2014.
Pacific Dragon is the last of a series of six D-Class vessels that are built by ST Marine for SPO and will be delivered by 2H this year. Please
The D-Class vessels are equipped with advanced technical capabilities to support the latest generation semisubmersible rigs operating in harsh deep water environments. Built to clean-class SPS 2008 and ice notations, the Havyard-design vessels are designed to be fuel-efficient, reduce environmental impact, and to enhance safety.
They have large-capacity, 500-tonne RRM Brattvagg winches, latest dynamic positioning technology, enhanced station keeping, with independent drop down azimuth thrusters, recovery frame (ARF), and travelling cranes. The vessels also have ample cargo capacity and deck space for a wide range of other offshore applications.
Today, SPO owns and operates 85 offshore support vessels, including AHTSs platform supply vessels, ice-breaking supply vessels, anchor handling tugs, seismic survey vessels, wind-farm installation vessels, accommodation vessels, and multi-purpose offshore vessels. SPO will have a fleet of 100 vessels by the end of 2015.
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