£12m order for wave piercer

The visually striking bow design (pictured) will enable the vessel to pierce through waves in extreme weather conditions, while maintaining constant speed, reducing fuel consumption and enhancing safety. The contract, worth in excess of £12 million to Rolls-Royce, includes vessel design and a comprehensive integrated power and propulsion system and equipment package for an advanced platform supply vessel (PSV). The contract also includes an option for a second vessel of the same specification and value. Wave-piercing technology is proven technology for high-speed catamarans and trimarans, and Rolls-Royce is now applying these cutting-edge, innovative concepts to the demanding offshore market, in which extreme operating conditions can pose serious challenges to vessel performance and crew safety. Research and computer aided design methods, verified by tank testing, have enabled Rolls-Royce to reduce hull resistance substantially through the development of a wave-piercing hull form, which eliminates slamming and allows for a smooth ride even in rough weather conditions. The hull pierces through the water, rather than riding on top of the waves, allowing the vessel to run continuously at service speeds regardless of the sea state, reducing fuel consumption and improving crew comfort. In addition to the new design, Rolls-Royce will supply Azipull propellers, thrusters, and Bergen diesel engines. A Rolls-Royce DP2 dynamic positioning system, which uses satellite technology to accurately position the vessel, is also included. This advanced system automatically controls the propulsors to hold the vessel in position during safety-critical operations, such as working close to offshore platforms in strong winds or heavy seas. The contract includes an ASFA (Automated Sea Fastening System) cargo securing system, giving secure positioning and securing of containers and pipes. The new vessel ordered by Farstad is a UT 754 WP design and will be fitted out by STX Offshore Norway at its Langsten shipyard. In addition to wave-piercing designs for these platform supply vessels, Rolls-Royce has developed wave-piercing hull designs for other vessel types including tugs, deep-sea anchor handlers, construction vessels and mobile offshore drilling ships.