Ocean Alden, the newly built stand-by vessel for the Gjøa field was named at a ceremony at the GDF SUEZ base in Florø. A new subsea warehouse and workshop were inaugurated on the same occasion.

GDF SUEZ E&P Norge has awarded shipowners Atlantic Offshore a 10 year contract for the operation of the Ocean Alden on the Gjøa field. The Ocean Alden is 67 meters long and 18 meters wide, with a horsepower of 12,000, oil booms and dispersant chemicals for combating oil spills. The vessel will monitor the overall ship traffic on the field and may serve as rescue base for personnel or equipment.

The new 1100 m² workshop for maintenance of subsea equipment at Fjord Base also holds offices and meeting rooms. The 2800 m² subsea warehouse has already been taken into use.

County Mayor Åshild Kjelsnes was godmother of Ocean Alden, and Flora Mayor Bengt Solheim-Olsen officially inaugurated the new base buildings.

Subsea World News Staff , March 23, 2012; Image: GDF Suez