
Standby vessel operator Atlantic Offshore Rescue has launched its third new vessel in the past 12 months as part of a £300 million fleet modernisation programme.
Ocean Falcon, a brand new Class A Multi Role and Emergency Response and Rescue vessel, was christened at a ceremony at Aberdeen harbour 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 people, with facilities to rescue up to 300 people. Incorporating the very latest technology systems, it has a towing capacity of up to 65 tons and measures 66.80 meters in length and 16 meters beam and is fitted with two MAN diesel engines with a power of 1935 kW each.
Ocean Falcon is a new H820 design from Havyard Ship Design. It was built and developed 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.
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.