Swire Welcomes New Anchor Handling Tug Supply Vessel, ‘Pacific Discovery’

Shipowner and operator; Swire Pacific Offshore Operations (Pte) Ltd (SPO), welcomes another new anchor handling tug supply vessel, Pacific Discovery to its existing D Class fleet. This vessel is owned by SPO and built by DDW-PaxOcean Asia Pte Ltd (DPA).

Shipowner and operator; Swire Pacific Offshore Operations (Pte) Ltd (SPO), welcomes another new anchor handling tug supply vessel, Pacific Discovery to its existing D Class fleet. This vessel is owned by SPO and built by DDW-PaxOcean Asia Pte Ltd (DPA).
On 8 October 2013, about 80 representatives from the SPO team and DDW-PaxOcean Asia Pte Ltd (DPA) gathered at the shipyard of DDW-PaxOcean Tuas yard to witness the launch and naming ceremony of Pacific Discovery. The event was graced by Lady Sponsor, Mrs Lisabeth Roberts, the wife of Mr Peter Roberts, a former director of Swire, instrumental in establishing SPO and guiding it through its early years. Other dignitaries included Chairman of Swire Pacific Offshore, Mr J.B. Rae-Smith, Managing Director of The China Navigation Company, Mr Tim Blackburn, Chief Operating Officer of DDW-PaxOcean Asia Pte Ltd (DPA), Mr Simon Cheong and Executive Director of DDW-PaxOcean Shipyard Pte Ltd, Mr William Choo.
“The launch of Pacific Discovery is another important milestone for the Company, particularly in respect to the development of our deep water anchor handling capability. The three sister D Class vessels already delivered have enjoyed a successful entry into service and are living up to expectations in respect to safe and high quality operating performance. By the end of 2015, all eight vessels from the series will be in operation, serving our customers across the world. We are confident that our modern and diversified portfolio of vessels and marine services will be well positioned to meet the changing business needs of the global oil and gas industry effectively,” says Managing Director, Mr Neil Glenn.
Pacific Discovery is designed and built with advanced technical capabilities to support the latest generation of semi-submersible rigs. Equipped with DP2 systems and a maximum bollard pull of 230 tonnes, Pacific Discovery also boasts a clear deck space of 650 square metres. The main propulsion engine powers the vessel with 17,864 Brake Horsepower (BHP) certified to IMO Tier II standards. The large capacity 500 MT RRM Brattvagg winches, latest dynamic positioning technology, enhanced station keeping with independent drop down azimuth thruster, anchor recovery frame (ARF) and travelling cranes provide the vessel with added flexibility, versatility and safety. Please refer to Appendix A for the Fact Sheet of Pacific Discovery.
By the end of 2015, SPO will have eight vessels in its D Class fleet. Vessels in the series delivered to date include Pacific Defiance (February 2013), Pacific Diligence (April 2013) and Pacific Dolphin (August 2013). Pacific Dove and Pacific Duchess have been launched and will be delivered by the end of 2013 and by early 2014 respectively. The two remaining vessels in the series, Pacific Dispatch and Pacific Dragon are scheduled to be delivered by the end of 2014.