The new vessel is also the first to feature a new secure anchor handling system and diesel electric propulsion.

The X-Bow shape of the hull reduces pitching, slamming and water impact with the bridge for enhanced comfort and safety.

It also increases cruising speeds in all weather and achieves fuel savings which Bourbon and Ulstein believe could total £1m per year compared to a similar vessel of conventional design.

Another innovation with safety in mind is the Safe Anchor Handling System (SAHS) developed by Norwegian hydraulic solutions provider ODIM in cooperation with Bourbon Offshore Norway and Ulstein which eliminates human presence from the vessel's aft deck during dangerous anchor handling operations. In a fully automated system, the aft deck has two powerful mobile cranes equipped with articulated grappling hooks, a control system, a remotely activated video surveillance system and a mobile anchor handling platform which replaces the traditional stern roller. The result of a technical study inspired by Statoil's invitation to develop safer anchor handling systems and supported by the Norwegian Research Council, SAHS complies with Bourbon's Quality, Health, Safety and Environment (QHSE) Charter whilst delivering a system which the company believes will revolutionise anchor handling safety.

Bourbon Orca is the first AHTS vessel in the world designed for the North Sea to be equipped with diesel-electric propulsion. In addition to reducing operational and maintenance costs, the system also reduces toxic gas emission.

With a conventional propulsion system all the motors of an AHTS run continuously, in the diesel-electric system only the power required is supplied.

Information No: 22128