Multiconsult has a leading position within basic surveys at sea in Norway. After the accident with one drilling vessel in January 2022, the company has now chosen to replace it with a Norwegian-built vessel at an estimated cost of around NOK60 million (US$5.5 million).

The new vessel will be important in projects such as port developments, industrial projects, transport projects and aquaculture development

"Over several decades, Multiconsult has developed and operated specialised drilling vessels to carry out basic surveys along the Norwegian coast. We are involved in developing a number of projects in the coastal zone and at sea, and the new vessel will be important in projects such as port developments, industrial projects, transport projects and aquaculture development," Leif Olav Bogen, executive director of Multiconsult, said.

The new drilling vessel will be larger and faster than previous vessels, while the design and engine options mean that the vessel can be operated with lower consumption than before. The chosen engine option uses the latest generation of cleaning technology and can run on fossil-free fuel that reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 85-95% compared to traditional diesel.

The catamaran is being developed and built by the Norwegian companies GOT Marine AS and Naval Dynamics AS.

"We have delivered quality work vessels in aluminium, also seagoing, for a number of years and see the opportunity to build a specialised drilling vessel for Multiconsult as a fantastically exciting opportunity. The shipyard is very much looking forward to starting this project," Tore Prestjord, general manager of GOT Marine, said.

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