First operation of large AHTS vessel

It was engaged in the disconnection and unmooring of the drilling rig Island Innovator at the Fosen field in the central North Sea.
A large AHTS vessel, the Bourbon Arctic is specially designed to operate in remote areas and equipped for advanced anchor handling and towing operations. Capable of working in the most complex environments, it has a bollard pull of 307 tonnes in boost mode and 193 tonnes in diesel-electric mode, the latter being among the most powerful capacities in this mode in the world, according to Bourbon.
In addition to anchor handling, the Bourbon Arctic can perform tasks such as supply duties, oil recovery, standby operations, fire-fighting, rescue (up to 300 survivors) and ROV operations. With a strengthened hull and enhanced winterisation equipment (ice class), it is suited for work in temperatures as low as -20°C while ensuring maximum safety, Bourbon says.
It can accommodate up to 60 persons including crew (SPS class) and used as a floatel when not engaged in anchor handling operations. Classified as a Clean Design vessel, the Bourbon Arctic complies with the most stringent requirements with regard to emissions to the air and discharges to the sea, according to Bourbon. It is equipped with a dual-propulsion system that allows it to adapt its power needs to the type of operation with diesel-electric mode, resulting in reduced fuel consumption compared with conventional AHTS vessels.
"It’s easy to see that, once completed with an ROV and a first-class ROV operator, this could be a very good vessel for most of our marine operations,” said Sigmund Hertzberg, senior marine supervisor at Lundin Norway AS.