The vessel will be capable of transporting cargoes of unrestricted length and width on the main deck hatches and is also to be certified for sailing with open hatches. An option for a second such vessel has also been agreed.

The design features a length of 144.57m, a beam of 26.5m, a depth of 14.1m and a design draft of 6.5m. Two 4,500kW diesel engines capable of running on heavy fuels will drive twin 4,350mm controllable pitch propellers to provide a service speed of some 17.5 knots.

Two tunnel thrusters of 1,450kW and one retractable thrusters of 1,700kW will provide the necessary side thrust for manoeuvring, station keeping and DP operations.

Classification will include a DP-2 notation from Lloyds Register of Shipping.

Electrical power will be provided by two shaft generators of 3,000 kW each and three dedicated gensets.

The 800 ton cargo cranes will have a maximum reach of 28m over the starboard side and 32m to port. The ballast system will be able to counteract crane operations by means of thee 700m 3/hr pumps.

Additional stability pontoons will also be provided to enable a lift of 1,600 tons at a reach of 14m.

Cargo can be stored either on the pontoon hatches or in the upper or lower cargo hold.

The vessel will accommodate a complement of 31 persons.

Delivery is scheduled for February 2008 by Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania.

MJ Information No: 21712