Edison Chouest to Build Polar Anchor Handler, Rolls-Royce Wins Propulsion Contract

Drawing by North American Shipbuilding, click for larger

U.S. -based offshore support vessel owner Edison Chouest Offshore (ECO) has awarded Rolls-Royce a contract today to supply azimuth main propulsion, propulsion control systems, anchor winches and an anchor handling crane for a new anchor Handling Tug Supply vessel (AHTS) they have ordered.

The vessel will be built by LaShip in Houma, Louisiana and has been designed to Polar Class 3 standards by North American Shipbuilding which means it will be equipped to operate in arctic waters with air temperature down to minus 40 degrees Celsius.

rolls-royce azimuth thrusters — Azumith thrusters, Image courtesy Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce says the newbuild contract includes an option for equipment for a second vessel of similar type. Delivery of the first vessel is planned for Q4 2016.

John Knudsen, Rolls-Royce, President – Commercial Marine, said: “We are proud that Edison Chouest Offshore once again prefers our technology and equipment for a vessel designed and built for demanding operations in the Arctic region.”

Edison Chouest’s last arctic-type AHTS newbuild M/V Aiviq was delivered from LaShip in 2012.