Island Constructor 10 years young
Published
The well intervention vessel Island Constructor was built in 2008 and is now at Ulstein Verft for modifications on the module handling tower prior to commencement of this year’s work campaign. Being 10 years, the vessel appears, inside and outside, as it was recently delivered.
Focused on the on-board environment, the crew takes pride in caring and nurturing their second home.
In 2008, the ship owner was interviewed about their new addition to their fleet, and the Crew Manager Guri Lillebø Sætre was quoted, saying:
”Many who board our ships comment on how ‘ship-shape’ everything is, and we are proud to answer that we have people who take care of the things around them. When selecting a new crew, we want it made up of people of different ages and levels of experience, because it makes for a well-functioning unit. It helps create a good working environment aboard”.
Focus on interiors promote well-being
The accommodation is based on a holistic way of thinking and a design profile with high quality interior solutions. Carefully considered solutions, space-saving measures and focus on interiors promote well-being, comfort and safety.
On time quality deliveries
When Island Offshore contracted Ulstein Verft for the construction of this vessel, the regional effects in the Norwegian maritime cluster were considerate. Some 200 large and small suppliers were involved, more than 50 of which are located in the region. The engines, diesel electric systems, winches, furniture, even the toilets, were all delivered locally.
The shipowner chose Ulstein Verft because they knew they would get top quality, on-time delivery, and the local suppliers were chosen for the same reason.
Everywhere on board is the same neat and impressive standard, from the engine room, to the mess and day rooms, and all the way up to the bridge. The chairs and coaches in the day rooms can easily withstand another ten years, and the chairs and tables in the mess room appear as if they have hardly been used. The wear-and-tear to be spotted on board is the seat of the rowing machine in the gymnasium!
“There you see, we like to keep fit,” says the deck supervisor Ottar Jørgensen, and laughs.
A unique crew
He has been on the Island Constructor for nine years. “We have a very stable crew, several of us have been here even from the vessel’s delivery, and most have been around for years. I enjoy working here, this ship’s crew is unique, and all are dedicated to keeping the vessel in good shape. We have an atmosphere of inclusion, which is felt by everyone setting their foot on board, and that also means that everyone is invited to do their share in keeping the vessel nice and tidy. No one wears overalls in the accommodation areas, and all use slippers or blue plastic shoes. We get the feedback that everyone appreciates to be on board a vessel with such standards.”
Preparing for the season
The same spotlessness can be seen on the bridge, although master Bjørnar Fløysand excuses the untidiness, pointing to a table on which some papers are spread about. “You see, we are preparing for the season, and have lots of paper work to be done.”
The vessel is operating in the project market on the Norwegian and British sectors in the North Sea. “This vessel is highly flexible. We are equipped to take on several assignments, one of which is top hole drilling in depths up to 1,110 metres. Being in the multi-client market keeps us on the alert, highly prepared and updated, always. We are a great team”, the captain concludes.
High comfort class
In 2008, Island Constructor won the Offshore Support Journal’s (OSJ) prestigious ‘Ship of the Year’ award. The vessel has Comfort (C3)(V3) class, and when OSJ was on board for part of the sea trials programme, they found the vessel to be very quiet. In flat water it was difficult to know from noise and vibration levels if the ship was moving at all, or at what speed.
