Rolls-Royce wins large deep water anchor handling equipment contract

Rolls-Royce has been awarded a contract by STX OSV Trading to supply technologically advanced anchor handling systems. The equipment will be installed on three vessels operated by offshore services company Norskan for use in deep water oil and gas fields off the coast of Brazil.

The contract is valued at over £50 million (approximately US $81m) and includes the supply of a range of innovative Rolls-Royce technologies.

Arne Tande, Rolls-Royce, Senior Vice President – Offshore Deck Machinery, said: “The focus of oil and gas exploration and development is moving towards deeper water. Rolls-Royce is particularly well positioned in this sector, supplying world leading technology that enables companies to operate safely in challenging conditions. This contract demonstrates that our safety-critical technology is trusted to deliver when it matters, ensuring that offshore companies can fulfil their demanding missions.”

The anchor handling technology being supplied includes a unique rope tensioner system, which enables the safe transfer and storage of rope that connects anchors many thousands of metres below sea level.

The contract also features Rolls-Royce’s specialist winches, which are designed for the manoeuvre and installation of torpedo anchors. At up to 130 tonnes each, torpedo anchors penetrate the seabed, giving a secure fixing for the heavy-duty mooring lines used to keep oil platforms in position. The powerful winches are each capable of handling anchors at depths of approximately 3,000 metres.

Delivery of equipment, to the STX OSV Niteroi shipyard, will begin in 2012.

Image courtesy Rolls-Royce