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Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, has announced that Island Offshore has taken delivery of Island Crusader [pictured], the first gas-powered Rolls-Royce offshore vessel. This new and advanced UT 776 CDG platform supply vessel, is the first of two ordered by Island Offshore.

Managing Director of Island Offshore, Håvard Ulstein, said: "A very important area for Island Offshore is reduction in fuel consumption. With the UT 776 CD, the favourable hull lines contribute to a very low consumption rate over a wide range of operating draughts. We believe that the most significant contribution to reducing emissions is to reduce fuel consumption for a given amount of work done. Going for LNG fuel is a logical step in reducing emissions even further."

Jørn Heltne, Rolls-Royce, Senior Vice President, Ship Technology - Offshore said: "As always it is a pleasure to see a new vessel delivered to satisfied owners. This innovative vessel is the first of its kind and is designed to reduce the impact on the environment while increasing fuel efficiency. We are very pleased that Island Offshore has again placed its trust in our technology and offshore design expertise."

This is the first offshore vessel to feature lean burn gas engines as main engines. As a result nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions will be reduced by about 90 percent while sulphur oxide (SOx) emissions and particulates will be negligible. CO2 emissions will also be significantly reduced.

The vessel is also equipped with two diesel engines for periods when it needs to operate away from gas supply.

Island Crusader will operate in the North Sea undertaking transport, supply and service duties between onshore supply bases and offshore drilling sites. It is 96 metres long and will also be equipped for oil recovery.

Including this latest delivery, Island Offshore has seven UT 776 CD platform supply vessels in service and three more under construction.