Skipsteknisk AS has signed a contract with the Institute of Marine Research (IMR) in Bergen for the design and engineering of the “Dr. Fridtjof Nansen” replacement ship. The “Dr. Fridtjof Nansen” is owned by NORAD and operated by IMR. The ship operates mainly in southern waters, from Asia in east to South America in west, and is part of the “EAF Nansen program”.

Skipsteknisk AS won the contract after an international tender, and has a wide experience in the design and engineering of this type of vessels. Previously the company has designed similar vessels for countries such as England, Scotland, Ireland, Chile and Norway. The latter was the research vessel “GO Sars”, which was delivered in 2003. The special features of this type of vessel is in addition to the many different tasks to be carried out onboard, very extensive noise reduction measures. The vessels will conduct extensive acoustic measurements of fish stocks, which requires minimal emission of noise to the sea.

The new ship to be built is of ST-369 design, and will be delivered in February 2016. The first phase of the design work will begin immediately and continue until end of September, followed by a shipyard tender. A construction contract is scheduled for December this year. The design will then proceed and continue throughout 2014 and parts of 2015. In addition to the design and engineering of the vessel, the contract also includes construction management and supervision, all up to the end of the warranty period.

The task is thus very extensive and significant for Skipsteknisk. It is particularly significant in terms of continuing the company’s position and traditions in the design of this particular type of ships.

Press Release, March 13, 2013