The latest contracts include a completely new design, the UT527, variations on several anchor handler designs, and many of the market favourite UT755 in both standard and long versions. Eleven UT755s are under order, to be built at yards in Norway, Brazil and Italy.

To meet the very specific requirements for a North Sea multi-field standby vessel, Rolls Royce has developed the UT527.

The vessel will act as a first line emergency vessel and will have a speed of approximately 20 knots to take it rapidly to the scene of an emergency. A bollard pull of some 100 tonnes and a powerful winch will enable the UT527 to tow drifting vessels clear of offshore installations. High specification firefighting and pollution control systems will be fitted. The ship will have a large capacity for survivors and a special feature is an aft slipway up which rescue craft can be hauled. Also included in the new design are side rescue zones, stations for daughter craft and fast rescue craft as well as a helicopter platform.

MJ Information No: 17723