The first two Platform Supply Vessels (PSV) with a reversed stem (ULSTEIN X-BOWTM) and also the first two vessels of "Clean Design" standard to be contracted, Bourbon Mistral and Bourbon Monsoon, were named at Ulstein Yard on Saturday, October 28. Godmother for both vessels is BP Norway's CEO Gro Kielland. Bourbon Offshore Norway was first to order the first vessel with the ULSTEIN X-BOW, the anchor handler Bourbon Orca. They are also first to receive PSVs with this bow. " Having had Bourbon Orca working for a period of time, we clearly see that the bow makes her superior compared to other anchor handling vessels. We have proven that a ship with the ULSTEIN X-BOW runs smoother, she can hold higher speed and therefore be the fastest to the destination, and she is also more comfortable for the crew. We believe there is even more to be gained from a PSV with this bow, as these types of vessels are continuously in traffic. They work in a shuttle system between shore and platforms and have to be reliable also in bad weather", says Bourbon Offshore Norway's Managing Director Trond Myklebust.

Innovations

The two vessels, ordered by Bourbon Offshore Norway, are on two long-term contracts for the oil company BP Norway. The vessels will primarily supply the oil fields operated by BP in the Norwegian part of the North Sea, and will be based in Sola harbour, Tananger, Norway. Bourbon Monsoon will start on a 10 year contract, for delivery in the first quarter 2007. Bourbon Mistral, which is starting on a 5 year contract straight after the naming ceremony, is delivered with two innovations. ULSTEIN IASTM is an integrated automation system that controls and monitors all processes and operations aboard a vessel. It's a user-friendly system that can be adapted to customer's needs and that is redundant at several levels, improving safety. ULSTEIN IASTM monitors ongoing operations in the vessel and generates alarms in case of failures. The system can easily be linked to the second electrical innovation, the ULSTEIN Bridge Alarm System. The system collects audible alarms from all the systems on the bridge and also monitors human activity. Either a text display or a voice alarm module (optional) shows which system caused the alarm.