PSV «VIKING AVANT»
– a new design supply vessel elected SHIP OF THE YEAR 2004

Aker Langsten AS, Tomrefjord (Aker Yards) delivered in 2004 a Platform Supply Vessel of a complete new design by Norwegian company Vik-Sandvik, VS 493 Avant, to her Owners Eidesvik Shipping AS, Bømlo as the yard's Hull No. 197. M/V «VIKING AVANT» is built with bridge and engine aft, contrary to all previously built PSVs. Due to her innovations this ship was elected SHIP OF THE YEAR 2004 by the Nordic shipping magazine SKIPSREVYEN. Mr. Andreas Gaarder, Norway’s chargŽ d'affaires to Germany, performed the handing over of SKIPSREVYEN’s awards for 2004 to the ship’s captain, owner, building yard and designer at the SMM exhibition in Hamburg.

At SMM 2004 from left: Mr. Sigbjørn Akselvoll, Aker Langsten AS, Mr. Asle B. Strønen, SKIPSREVYEN, Mr. Andreas Gaarder, chargŽ d'affairs, Mr. Jan Lodden, Eidesvik Shipping AS, Mr. Svein Nesse, captain, and Mr. Egil Sandvik, Vik Sandvik AS.

When designing this vessel the main emphasis was put on important criteria such as reduced motions and noise in the superstructure due to location of the bridge, improved quality of onboard working hours for the crew, better quality on off duty time onboard and better light conditions in living and working areas, as all of these are located above main deck. Less sea sickness is obtained by less movements and accelerations. The new design also means that the vessel can operate with her bow facing the weather.

The noise level is reduced as the thrusters are located far off the accommodation section. The construction with engine and accommodation aft has given the naval architects more freedom to optimize the foreship to a more fuel effective shape.

Naturally commercial aspects such as a deadweight and ample tank capacities, as well as good speed and satisfactory fuel economy, were also an integral part of the design. Less hull resistance was an important factor in achieving the speed/consumption criteria. With a dwt of about 5,850 tons and a deck load of about 4,200 tons the «Viking Avant» will carry significantly more cargo than most of the tonnage available on the market today.

The design means that only one manoeuvering position is necessary. Fewer bridge consoles are required, and therefore the risk of human and system errors are reduced. There is 360 degrees visibility from bridge console.

M/V «Viking Avant» has full Norwegian Standby- and rescue class, including 125 tons towing winch, and the vessel has a slipway. The stern slip system is a state-of-the-art rescue contingency vessel, always carrying the daughter craft in the stern slip. The vessel can therefore at all times be ready for action as a rescue ship. Her mode of operation as a rescue vessel, the stern slip, provides an increased operating window for rescue services in extreme waters like the Barents. This feature can also increase the allowable operating window for helicopters as flying is restricted by the operating window of the standby vessel.