The new 54m vessel will take Mermaid 18 months to build, cost around US$7 million and will operate with a dynamic positioning, four-point mooring system while offering accommodation for up to 42 persons.
Principally contracted to Apache over the initial five-year term, Mermaid says the new vessel has generated significant interest from other North West Shelf operators for additional work when not directly committed.
In addition to the new construction, the company has also acquired a 48 tonne bollard pull, 4,000bhp offshore Z-Drive tug, for tanker berthing and other complimentary support services.
The tug will cost US$2.4 million and is expected to be on station by November. Funding for the purchase will be offset by a recent agreement to sell the Mermaid Explorer a 58m offshore utility vessel for US$2.15 million.
The acquisition of both these vessels and the retirement of the Explorer continue the company’s strategy of working towards more powerful, mission-specific vessels with contracted income streams.
