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Ocean Observation: Gliders, buoys & sub surface monitoring networks

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Geir Sivertstøl, principal engineer electrical systems at Ul- stein, said the vessel, equipped with three main thrusters and three side thrusters (for stationkeeping during pipe laying), is fully optimized for carrying out assignments without inter- ruption. He notes: ?The switchboard system, propellers and diesel motors can be con gured in groups of two, three or four. In case of an AUTR operation (i.e. the occurrence of a single ma- jor failure), the vessel will only lose one third of its installed power package and propulsion, and will be able to complete the operation with two-thirds of its capacity.? ?This,? he stresses, ?in combination with the highest stan- dards for dynamic positioning, DYNPOS-AUTRO, will en- sure that charterers can look forward to operational standards that are custom made to tackle the world?s harshest - and po- tentially most resource rich - environments.? GC Rieber Shipping?s version of the SX121 (yard number 300 at Ulstein Verft) has been equipped to meet the most di- verse requirements, in the most demanding of conditions. The 130 x 25-m vessel can accommodate a crew of 130 and cut through deep waters with a top speed of 14.5 knots, while meeting all the latest environmental standards. It is equipped with a powerful 250 ton AHC (active heave compensated) offshore crane, perfect for lifting and lowering heavy equip- ment to and from subsea environments. A large cargo deck creates the optimal environment for a variety of operations, ensuring that the vessel is well placed to meet the hugely diverse demands of the offshore construction market. It also offers the ability to carry two ROVs (remotely operated vehicles) - one that will be launched from the star- board side and the other through a moon pool. In addition, the ship has been designed with SURF (subsea umbilical riser and  owline) capabilities and is prepared for the installation of a below-deck basket/carousel with a 2500 ton capacity, as well as a 250 ton VLS (vertical lay system) for deployment through the moon pool. It is, as Valberg stresses, a compellingly comprehensive package: ?One of the main reasons for choosing the SX121 design from Ulstein was its inherent  exibility, which allows several types of operations and enables us to operate in a wid- er range of market segments. The fact that we can use the 250- ton crane to the maximum of its capability both in offshore and subsea lifts on this vessel was another deciding factor.? www.ulstein.com (Continued from page 11) $140m Subsea Ship: Cool Under Pressure www.seadiscovery.com MTR #8 (1-17).indd 13MTR #8 (1-17).indd 1310/3/2012 4:17:41 PM10/3/2012 4:17:41 PM

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