Bourbon Topaz : our 4th Norwegian vessel delivered in 18 months
On the heels of the 3 multi-purpose supply vessels Bourbon Jade, Bourbon Opale and Bourbon Emerald, a new platform supply vessel, the Bourbon Topaz, continues the long line of Bourbon Offshore Norway vessels named after gemstones.
This 86-metre arrival, delivered by the Norwegian yard Ulstein on February 18th and christened by the mayoress of Ulsteinvik, Mrs Maaseide, is an advanced-technology vessel with an immense carrying capacity. Approved for transport of methanol and special chemical products, she is also equipped with a surface pollution recovery system. With 7300 kW, her four Caterpillar diesel-electric engines generate enough power to reach over 15 knots, combining impressive manoeuvrability with minimal fuel consumption.
The Bourbon Topaz is more especially the first ship built to the new NAUT OSV standards, a classification reflected in the greatly improved layout of her bridge. Chief engineer Baard Eikebo is satisfied with the siting of the engine control room on the main deck, with all the advantages of reduced noise level. The strategic installation of 5 cameras also allows very comprehensive visual monitoring of all the areas lying under the main deck. «Her equipment isn’t in the usual places,» explains captain Steinsvik Arnar, «but we soon adapted when she was put into service».
Under contract with Statoil for 4 years, the supply vessel is based in the North Sea. Scheduled for delivery in late 2005, her sister-ship, the Bourbon Peridot, is being built with additional improvements and should be even more adaptable.