BOURBON EVOLUTION 800 Series

The 95.6 mtr long and 21 mtr width BOURBON EVOLUTION 804 anchored off Singapore, On February 8th 2008, BOURBON announced the order of a series of 10 new generation, innovative, multipurpose and highly efficient IMR vessels designed by GPA (Guido Perla & Associates) with appropriate equipment to support its oil clients in expanding their deep offshore operations: the Bourbon Evolution 800.

The series is built in China by Sinopacific shipyard and the first of the series of 10, the Ungundja, has been operating off the coast of Angola since the end of 2011. The second in the series, the Bourbon Evolution 802, was delivered in September 2012 and operates off the coast of Nigeria.

Deliveries will continue until 2014. BOURBON worked with Guido Perla & Associates on the design and build of the Bourbon Evolution 800 series. They have collaborated many times before namely on the series of 76 Bourbon Liberty 100 and 200 vessels (PSV and AHTS) and the “H Class” PSVs. The Bourbon Evolution 800 series benefits from BOURBON’s expertise. Similarly to the Bourbon Liberty and “H Class” vessels, the Bourbon Evolution 800 series is equipped with a fuel saving diesel-electric propulsion system, redundant equipment and DP system to increase reliability even in adverse weather conditions. “The series of 10 Bourbon Evolution 800 vessels means BOURBON can provide clients with a new generation of versatile vessels devoted to subsea operations. They are designed to meet future challenges in the offshore oil sector and operate at depths of 3,000m in complete safety. These vessels provide a variety of services in operational and economic harmony with the deep offshore market,” says Christian Lefèvre, Chief Executive Officer of BOURBON.

“The Bourbon Evolution 800 vessels are in line with the BOURBON strategy for fleet standardization and management optimization as proved by the successful choice of dieselelectric propulsion system on the Bourbon Liberty series, 2 large cranes that can work simultaneously and DP3 dynamic positioning.” A main crane with a lifting capacity of 150 tons on the surface, provided by MacGregor Cargotec and capable of operations at depths of 3,000m. - An additional 40 tons crane provided by SMST. These cranes have a heave compensation system which reduces the effect of the vessel’s movement to provide greater stability thus increasing the accuracy of subsea operations (installing jumpers, Christmas trees etc.). The Bourbon Evolution 800 vessels provide the highest level of dynamic positioning (DP3) in addition to 6 propellers on each vessel.

In addition to the excellent work and relaxation conditions in the cabins, the Bourbon Evolution 800 vessels are unique in providing clients with a dedicated deck featuring all the features required for optimized management: IT and communication system and wide view of operations. The vessels are equipped with a diesel-electric propulsion system, particularly economical for offshore operations, whose 7 diesel-electric generators provide intelligent and improved energy management thus saving fuel The series was designed to provide a range of operational configurations e.g. to accommodate over 200 people (floatel), support well intervention operations (wireline) and well testing operations (well-testing). The Bourbon Evolution 800 series’ original configuration enables it to combat fire and pollution. The “stand-by” functions enable vessels to fight fire, rescue people from the water and deploy floating barriers to isolate hydrocarbons in the water and store them in the holds. Senior Vice President Business Management Subsea Services Patrick Belenfant says: “The trust our clients have shown us in our first three sisterships from the Bourbon Evolution 800 seriesproves that BOURBON’s range of subsea services is in line with their requirements in terms of safety, reliability and cost