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Siem Offshore Inc. and A/S Norske Shell have signed a contract for a new dual-fuelled large-size platform supply vessel (PSV). The new PSV is due to commence operations in 2015 for operations in the North Sea, to support offshore activities at, among others, Draugen and Ormen Lange.

This is the first long-term PSV contract Siem Offshore holds with A/S Norske Shell in the Norwegian sector and it will be the first time in 20 years that A/S Norske Shell charters a newbuild vessel for its marine operations.

The agreement is for an initial period of three years, with two one-year options. The contract is scheduled to commence in first quarter 2015.

The vessel willl be of VS 4411 DF design with an overall length of 89 meters and a beam of 19 meters and with maximum 5,500 dwt. The vessel has been designed in collaboration with Wärtsilä Ship Design, and will have a dual fuel system for the use of either liquefied natural gas (LNG) or marine diesel oil (MDO).

According to Siem Offshore, the vessel will be equipped with the most modern solutions for fire-fighting and emergency preparedness and have a deck of approximately 970 square metres. The under deck tank configuration will include systems for handling of drill cuttings, in addition to liquid and dry bulk.

Siem Offshore says it is in discussions with several yards for the construction of the vessel.