UAE-based Stanford Marine has won a major contract from BG International Limited for the supply of its new generation deep-water platform supply vessel “Stanford Buzzard.”

The $36 million high-tech vessel boasts of several advanced features such as eco-friendly emissions-reducing diesel electric engines and a secure citadel from which the vessel can be controlled even under pirate attack.

“Stanford Buzzard” is a cutting-edge MMC 887 design, 87 m long and 18.8 m wide vessel of 5,000 DWT that has been built to satisfy the most demanding international requirements.

The vessel is Dynamic Positioning 2 (DP2) and is driven by four Cummins QSK60-D(M) main engines each developing 2,547 BHP. It is also equipped with 1 x Rolls Royce Bow Thruster of 1220 BHP and a Rolls Royce retractable thruster of 1072 BHP. Furthermore she has two stern thrusters (Azimuth) each developing 2680 BHP.

“With its diesel electric engines this vessel has significantly lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions – illustrating Stanford Marine’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint,” remarked Elias Nassif, CEO of Stanford Marine Group.

The vessel is ideal for deep water offshore supply given her 3500 metric tons of cargo capacity and 1000 m3 free deck space, combined with comfortable well-finished accommodation, primarily consisting of one- and two-person cabins with en suite modern facilities, which can house 52 personnel.

Stanford Marine’s new addition to the fleet will be supporting BG Tanzania’s four to eight exploration and appraisal wells.

In order to support the operations in Tanzania, Stanford Marine will open a satellite office in Mtwara, near the border of Mozambique.

“Stanford Buzzard” is presently enroute to Singapore from the Shipyard in China where she will undergo security upgrades prior to proceeding to Tanzania early next month.

These include blast-proof windows, RPG netting, Armor bulletproofing with ceramic ball material and a citadel capable of safely and securely accommodating all personnel and allowing them to maintain control of the vessel and communications from a hardened location which pirates are not able to breach.

“This vessel will be ballistically protected like a fortress, leaving little opportunity for pirates who might roam the Tanzanian waters” said Nassif.

“Stanford Buzzard” is the 7th in the series of vessels taken delivery by Stanford Marine this year.-TradeArabia News Service