Jay Schempf, Special Correspondent
The French marine logistics company Bourbon is growing almost geometrically.
By year-end 2006, Bourbon will have met the goals set out in its most recent five-year (2003-2007) global growth plan, but taking only four years to do so, thanks to mostly internal financing totaling $1.52 billion raised from assets disposal and operational cash flow.
TheBourbon Orca, Bourbon Offshore’s most recently christened AHTS vessel, is under contract to Norsk Hydro for work in Western European waters.
And while the Paris-based company averaged 15% annual growth of turnover during 2003-2006, the Offshore Division led the way with more than 25% average growth of turnover per annum.
Bourbon officials said results have been so encouraging that the company created another strategic initiative, HORIZON 2010, under which it foresees a 20% average growth of turnover per year, and plans to invest $1.6 billion in the offshore oil and gas marine services, mainly for new-generation offshore vessels.
A company analysis pegs a 10% average growth rate in the deepwater vessels market, with similar growth figures in new vessels for shallower water depths, including replacement growth.
Since January 1, the company has placed the first series of orders for 56 modern offshore petroleum industry vessels, most fitted with second-generation dynamic positioning (DP2) capability. Total investment for those vessels is $808 million, also to be financed largely from internally generated funds.
Included in this first series of orders are:
- One multi-purpose supply vessel (MPSV) - Length: 85 m; quarters for 70; diesel-electric propulsion; 100-ton heave compensated crane; designed for deepwater subsea operations using ROVs
- Five anchor handling tug supply vessels (AHTS) - Equipped with 11,000-hp main propulsion for a 125-ton bollard pull; DP 1; FiFi 1 anti-fire system; designed for towing, anchor handling
- Eight GPA 670 platform supply vessels (PSV) - Length: 73 m; weight: 3,200 dwt; diesel-electric propulsion; DP2
- Four Ulstein P105 PSVs - Length 91 m; weight: 4,900 dwt; diesel-electric propulsion; 100-ton crane; DP2
- Eighteen deepwater offshore service vessels.
Deliveries and commissioning of these vessels will be staggered from 4Q07 through first-half 2009.
Bourbon Orca takes a unique bow
The company’s most recent addition to its fleet is theBourbon Orca (Ulstein AX104) AHTS, a vessel whose bow design is unique in the marine service industry. It was christened in Norway on June 24.
The 85.2-m, 3,500-dwt, DP2 vessel, now under contract to Hydro, is fitted with a diesel-electric propulsion system rated at 19,914 hp powered by four 2,880-kW generators that transmit diesel engine power to two 5,000-kW steerable nozzle thrusters and a 1,200-kW tunnel bow thruster. The vessel has a cruising speed of 16.5 knots/hour. Its towing bollard pull is rated at 180 tons.
The design of theBourbon Orca is the product of a collaborative effort of Bourbon Offshore, the naval architect Ulstein Design, and hydraulics supplier ODIM.
In contrast to most existing vessels, on which the bridge projects above the level of the sea, the Bourbon Orca offers the benefits of a new hull shape with an inverted bow, which rises toward the rear of the hull, called the Ulstein X-Bow.
According to Ulstein officials, the vessel’s inverted bow allows significant improvements in stability, fluidity, and maneuverability, allowing it to operate at higher cruising speeds in rough seas. The bow design also minimizes the pitching, slamming, and vibrations encountered in heavy weather operations areas such as in the North Sea. Interior noise and vibration are reduced, as well.
Safer anchor-handling benefits
The 540-sq m cargo deck area will hold up to 1,200 tons. Also unique to the vessel is its Safe Anchor Handling System (SAHS), which eliminates the need for human presence on the after deck during dangers operations such as handling anchors and chain. Additionally, the after deck is equipped with two mobile cranes with articulated grappling hooks, a control system and a remotely activated video surveillance system. A mobile anchor-handling platform replaces the traditional stern roller, as well.
The vessel is the first AHTS to be equipped with diesel-electric propulsion combined with azimuth thrusters, said company officials. What’s more, they noted, this propulsion technology, combined with the hull design, reduces gas and toxic emission significantly and ensures significant fuel savings. With a conventional propulsion system, the engines of an AHTS run continuously. With diesel-electric propulsion, only the energy needed is consumed, generating both economic and environmental benefits.
“Safety is a priority for our company,” says Christian Lefèvre, deputy CEO of Bourbon and managing director of Bourbon Offshore. “With theBourbon Orca, we are revolutionizing the standards for modern offshore oil and gas service vessels. This vessel offers better safety performance, but also better environmental performance and energy consumption, which gives the company a real competitive advantage in the sector.”
With 3,600 professionals and an owned fleet of 230 vessels, Bourbon is a major international player in marine services. The company’s Offshore division has a fleet of 160 vessels supported by a staff of 2,500 officers, seamen, and office staff. The company has an additional 90 vessels on order or under construction. In addition to the Offshore division, the parent company also has fleets of vessels and bulk carriers operated by its Towage & Salvage and Bulk divisions.
For more information, see the company’s web site atwww.bourbon-online.com.
