Marseille-based oil, gas and wind fields services specialist Bourbon is making a major move with an investment in renewing its fleet with a new order.
The company said Bourbon Mobility specialising in the passenger transport in the oil & gas industry with over 1.7 million passengers in 2023, has ordered six new crewboats from Piriou shipyards for delivery in 2025.
Bourbon described the move as a “major investment” but did not reveal a price for the units.
Now the company has a target of 20% reduction in fuel consumption and it is believed that these 6 new Surfer-type vessels will enhance the fleet operating in West Africa.
These Surfers, with a length of 27 meters and 30 kts maximum speed, will be able to carry between 50 and 70 passengers, depending on the chosen configuration, and offer two deck spaces for cargo (40m2 at the stern and 20m2 at the front).
Equipped with new comfortable passenger seats, with USB plugs on each seat, the vessels benefit from maneuverability due to their propulsion system, as the company claims.
The navigation bridge has been completely redesigned with improved control stations allowing better visibility for the pilot and the very latest navigation equipment (radar, electronic chart).
“These connected vessels will enable real-time data analysis for continuous fuel consumption optimization or engine operating parameters,” reads the statement of Bourbon.
François Leslé, chief executive of Bourbon Mobility: “This order of six Surfers illustrates our commitment to decarbonize our operations and provide innovative solutions to our customers.
“This order is the reward of hard work by our R&D teams, whom I congratulate, and significant investment by the Group in new technologies to the benefit of our customers. I also want to highlight the unfailing commitment of our partners in this project, MAURIC and PIRIOU.”
Source: Bourbon
