Vard Holdings Limited (VARD), one of the major global designers and shipbuilders of offshore and specialized vessels, reported Friday that it has secured a contract with offshore marine services provider BOURBON, for the design and construction of one arctic Anchor Handling Tug Supply vessel (AHTS).

The arctic AHTS vessel is designed by Vard Design, developed for world-wide anchor handling and remote operations, with a total length of 307 feet (93.6 meters), a beam of 78 feet (24 meters) and a bollard pull of approximately 270 ton. The vessel is arranged for ROV (Remote Operating Vehicle), and has accommodation capacity for 60 persons. This vessel has superior anchor-handling capabilities as well as a hybrid propulsion system providing energy savings.

The vessel will be operated by Bourbon Offshore Norway and is scheduled for delivery from Vard Brattvaag in Norway in 1Q 2016. The hull of the vessel will be delivered from Vard Tulcea in Romania. VARD has in the past delivered another seven sophisticated vessels to BOURBON and is pleased to welcome the company back into its client portfolio.