Polish built LNG fuelled PSV to operate offshore Australia
Siem Offshore, through its fully owned subsidiary Siem Offshore Australia Pty Ltd, has been awarded a charter contract for a Dual Fuel (LNG/MGO) PSV of design VS4411 by Woodside Energy Limited, Australia.The duration of the charter is for a term of five years plus options of 2 × 1 year, expected to commence in early 2017. This contract represents a significant milestone for both parties in terms of the commitment to Australia and the Asia Pacific region for Siem Offshore, and a significant step towards sustainable transportation on behalf of Woodside given the environmental benefits of LNG as the primary fuel source.
The vessel will operate as part of the Woodside Integrated Fleet working offshore Dampier, Western Australia.
Siem Offshore, in its short press release has not revealed, which of its newbuild PSVs is subject to charter agreement with Woodside. However, after the delivery of first unit of VS4411 design from Norwegian yard, further four units have been contracted and under construction in Poland, at Remontowa Shipbuilding yard, of which the first one has already been delivered (Siem Pride, pictured above) and some are scheduled for delivery this year. Both Siem’s existing VS4411 type vessels (the one delivered from Norwegian yard and the one from Remontowa Shipbuilding) have long term deployments secured, so apparently, it is one of the remaining newbuilds under construction in Poland to operate offshore Australia.
Woodside Chief Operations Officer Mike Utsler said the announcement positioned the company as an early adopter of LNG as a marine fuel in the region. “We’re thrilled to be the first company to bring one of these vessels to the southern hemisphere. Australia is on track to become the world’s largest producer of LNG, so it makes perfect sense to build dual-fuel capabilities for our marine fleets here. Our LNG tankers use their cargo to power their engines, making them cleaner vessels that use less diesel. It’s natural that we progress this capability through to our support vessels” – he said. Woodside’s new vessel will be greener – reducing vessel greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions and the reliance on imported diesel – while providing safe, reliable support to Woodside’s assets in the Exmouth and Pilbara regions. Woodside will continue to seek to expand the application of LNG-fueling in transportation in WA. Dual-fuel has an exciting future as it can be used to power a wide range of vessels.
Woodside is Australia’s most experienced liquefied natural gas (LNG) operator and largest independent oil and gas company. Woodside’s proven track record and distinctive capabilities are underpinned by more than 60 years of experience.
Siem Offshore Australia Pty. Siem Offshore Inc. serves the global oil and gas industry with a modern, environmentally friendly and technically advanced fleet. The company’s fleet consists of 54 vessels – with a focus on low fuel consumption. Eight new vessels are under construction. The fleet includes large Anchor Handling Tug Supply Vessels, Platform Supply Vessels, Multipurpose field & ROV Support Vessels and Offshore Subsea Construction Vessels designed to meet the most challenging environments. The latest addition to the fleet is two Well-Intervention Vessels. Siem Offshore operates from Norway (Kristiansand), and has offices in Brazil (Rio de Janeiro, Macaé and Aracaju), Germany (Leer), The Netherlands (Groningen), Poland (Gdynia), USA (Houston), Ghana (Accra), India (Mumbai) and Australia (Perth).
rel (Siem Offshore, Woodside), pbs
