Abu Dhabi-based Gulf Marine Services (GMS) has announced the completion of GMS Scirocco, the second of its mid-size class self-propelled self-elevating support vessels (SESVs), ahead of schedule.

A leading provider of advanced SESVs serving the offshore oil, gas and renewable energy sectors, GMS said that the company has been awarded its first contract.

The vessel will commence its four-month contract in October for an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor working for a Middle East and North Africa (Mena)-based national oil company, with day rates in line with those previously indicated for the region, said a statement from the GMS.

GMS Sharqi, the third Mid-Size Class SESV design, will be delivered in the first quarter of 2016, it said.  

Additionally, a Large Class SESV design, GMS Evolution, will join the fleet in fourth quarter of 2016, added the statement.     
 
GMS has been building its SESVs, also known as jack up barges, at its quayside facility in Abu Dhabi. The current new build programme, which commenced in 2014, will increase the fleet from nine to 15 vessels by the end of next year, it stated.  

The group's existing vessels are all currently employed on contracts to support brownfield oil and gas production, well services and maintenance work in the Mena region, and as well as oil, gas and renewable energy-related operations in North West Europe.
 
Duncan Anderson, chief executive officer, said: “GMS Scirocco is our fourth new build SESV to be completed since the third quarter of 2014 and we are very pleased that this latest addition to the fleet, like those before it, will proceed directly to its first charter following delivery.”

“The demand for our vessels remains strong and is a testament to our ability to invest capital to successfully grow our fleet and generate strong returns for shareholders,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service