Smashing launch for new North Sea vessel

A state-of-the-art field support vessel with enhanced rescue capability has been christened in Aberdeen harbour.

Nor Solan Captain Svanur Saevarsson with vessel 'godmother' Gennette George

The Nor Solan, built in China and Spain, is to serve the Premier Oil-operated Solan field west of Shetland and was designed to handle the area’s harsh conditions.

The vessel is to go on a long-term charter at the site, supporting in-field production, drilling and “flotel” activities, and represents a collaboration between Singapore company Nortrans and Norwegian operator Høyland Offshore. Karsten Høyland of the latter firm said: “We are honoured to welcome the NOR Solan to the joint fleet of Nortrans and Høyland Offshore.”

The collaboration in designing and building the vessel “maximises the best in rescue and recovery innovations,” Premier Oil said.

Such innovations include a rescue system than can recover a life raft full of people on to its deck, full dynamic positioning and the capability to deploy a remotely operated vehicle.