Launched: North Sea’s Newest Multi Role, Emergency Response and Rescue Vessel

Ocean Falcon, the latest vessel  launched as part of Atlantic Offshore Rescue’s 300 million fleet modernisation programme

Today Atlantic Offshore Rescue will unveil the third new vessel in the past 12 months as part of its fleet modernisation programme, representing an investment totaling £300 million. 

Ocean Falcon, a brand new Class A Multi Role and Emergency Response and Rescue (MRV/ERRV) vessel, is to be christened at a ceremony at Aberdeen harbour tomorrow, before commencing a contract with a major UK operator. Atlantic Offshore Rescue will provide emergency recovery, rescue cover, tanker assistance and general field support for offshore operations at the Curlew Field, in the North Sea.

The ship can accommodate 21 employees, and has the amenities to rescue up to 300 people. As well as incorporating the very latest technology systems including a towing capacity of up to 65 tons, it measures 66.80 meters in length and 16 meters beam and features two MAN main engines with a power of 1935 kW each.

Ocean Falcon is a new H820 design from Havyard Ship Design. It was built in Passai, Spain by Zamakona shipbuilders, in close collaboration with Atlantic Offshore Rescue over an 18 month period.  Its sister ships, Ocean Tay and Ocean Osprey were launched in February and May 2014, respectively.

Matthew Gordon, managing director of Atlantic Offshore Rescue, said: “We are immensely proud to unveil Ocean Falcon, the third vessel launched as part of our extensive modernisation strategy. The vessel incorporates leading technology, and it is due to this and the ability and professionalism of our team.

The new vessel has secured 30 jobs and is one of 11 ERRVs managed by the company from its new 12,000 sq ft Aberdeen base at Waterloo Quay. The move, which took place earlier this year, totals an investment of £3.5 million over a ten year lease period.

Mr Gordon continued: “Moving into our new premises was is a real milestone in our history, and already marks a very successful year for Atlantic Offshore Rescue. Having outgrown our previous office we now have the capacity to accommodate future growth in the coming months and years. Being so close to Aberdeen harbour, we are also in a position to increase operational efficiency and better serve clients.”

Atlantic Offshore Rescue is part of the Atlantic Offshore Group, which is based in Norway. Atlantic Offshore Rescue Ltd employs 350 people (approximately 330 seamen and 20 office-based staff) and provides multi-role offshore and emergency rescue and response vessels for many of the oil majors operating in the North Sea.

The Group’s aim is to continue to expand its capabilities within both the Norwegian and British sector of the North Sea and to be able to give cross-border solutions reflecting the needs of its clients.

Updated: June 1, 2015 (Originally published May 29, 2015)

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