Bourbon Orca (Kommandor Orca)
New name: Kommandor Orca. The AHTS ‘Bourbon Orca’ was new in three respects: Diesel-electric propulsion, the ULSTEIN X-BOW, and the introduction of a Safe Anchor Handling System (SAHS). The vessel has later been converted to a converted to a survey and research vessel.
Primary specifications as built
Additional Data
This video was filmed by mobile phone on January 16, 2007: The 'Skandi Caledonia is heading for the North Sea at 8 knots as the 'Bourbon Orca' catches up at 13 knots steady speed.
The vessel was designed by Ulstein Design & Solutions AS and delivered by Ulstein Verft in 2006. The innovations improved safety, comfort, efficiency, fuel economy, and seakeeping properties. The ULSTEIN X-BOW reduced vessel motion.
Less shaking also means less vibration, noise and splashing.
Arnkjell Brandal, the vessel's first Captain until May 2015
Testing the first X-BOW hull, the anchor handling tug supply vessel 'Bourbon Orca', at Marintek, Trondheim.
Bourbon Orca on seatrial
Bourbon Orca towing the Voyageur Spirit
IMR vessel Larissa and AHTS Bourbon Orca involved in floating offshore wind installation
Ship history
As a newbuild, the anchor handling tug supply vessel (IMO 9352377) was capable of operations such as Subsea Intervention, ROV operations, deepwater precision lifting and installation, cargo transportation, and oil recovery.
Due to the ULSTEIN X-BOW innovation, the vessel received several awards, including the 'Engineering feat of the Year 2005'. The bow design radically changed the perception of what an offshore vessel should look like. The X-BOW is a slender bow design with an inverted flare; the bow slopes backwards instead of forwards. Before the vessel was constructed, model tests proved that the shape would result in excellent sea-keeping qualities. The resistance level would be relatively low compared with flared designs due to the gentle entry angles into the waterline.
Feedback from the shipowner, Bourbon Offshore Norway, was gained six months after the vessel's delivery:
"We received an excellent workplace for the crew. Our crew members were eager to test the ship in harsh weather conditions. In one instance, when heading to an offshore location, Bourbon Orca left the shore base along with two AHTS vessels, one of which Bourbon owns. The latter two had to reduce the speed to approximately 7-8 knots while Bourbon Orca proceeded at 13 without difficulty. The first storm was experienced in November 2006. Bourbon Orca headed for the oil field; the waves were about 15 metres. When meeting head seas, the vessel was moving smoothly. With sea from the sides, the crew described her as 'a much larger vessel'.
The vessel is also equipped with diesel-electric propulsion, which had only been tested on a few AHTSs before. An anchor handler requires much more propulsion power during heavy workloads than a platform supply vessel (PSV). Bourbon Orca has two azimuth propellers aft and one retractable thruster forward. Instead of a giant motor on each main propeller, two electric motors are connected in series on each unit to operate on a low-voltage electrical system. The solution combines direct-current conversion and direct operation of the electric motors. This optimises space utilisation and makes the vessel more environmentally sound through lower emissions and more economical through lower fuel costs.
Milestones
2021: The vessel was sold to the UK-based company Hays Ships Ltd and placed under the British flag, and her name was changed to 'Kommandor Orca'.
2022-23: The vessel was converted to a survey and research vessel, with additional accommodation.