Middle East-based offshore support vessel company Topaz Energy and Marine has acquired two large and modern anchor handling towage and supply vessels (AHTSV) for about US$100 million.
The vessels, the Caspian Challenger and the Caspian Endeavour, are sister vessels, built by Kleven Maritime in Norway, in 2008 and 2009, respectively.
The vessels are equipped with dynamic positioning DP2, automated safe anchor handing capabilities and are currently the most powerful vessels operating in the Caspian basin at 17,200 BHP and 190-tonne bollard pull.
The vessels have been operating as part of Topaz’s Caspian Sea fleet on a bareboat agreement and are currently serving a long-term contract with BP in Azerbaijan.
The vessels are supporting operations in the Azerbaijan ACG and Shah Denizoffshore fields, performing specialty project work, major rig moves, anchor repositioning and logistical support.
Kofod-Olsen, CEO, Topaz Energy and Marine, said:“These vessels have proved themselves as high performers in our fleet. As such, it was a logical extension of our agreement with the owner to preemptively exercise our purchase option and make them a permanent part of our fleet at what we believe is an attractive valuation. These vessels will benefit Topaz and our clients within and outside the Caspian Sea immensely.”
Topaz’s fleet in the Azerbaijani waters of the Caspian is currently 25 vessels. This will rise to 26 when the 4000 DWT platform supply vessel Caspian Voyager joins the fleet in Q2 2014.
Topaz operates in the Caspian Sea through its subsidiary BUE Marine.