The Wind-Innovation: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

C-Bed is embarking on an exciting transformation of the 'Veritas Viking II', converting it into a state-of-the-art accommodation vessel. This ambitious project, which is set to be completed by the first quarter of 2016, has seen C-Bed join forces with Wärtsilä Ship Design to craft the comprehensive plans for this refurbishment. Currently docked at the Fayard AS shipyard in Denmark, the ship will soon serve as a comfortable hotel for personnel involved in offshore wind farm operations. The collaboration with Wärtsilä, formalized in September, is a nod to the company’s history with the vessel; it originally provided the design for what was initially launched as the 'Viking II' in 1999 for Eidesvik in Norway. Upon completion of the conversion, the ship will be rebranded as 'Wind Innovation'. This upgraded vessel will boast accommodations and hotel amenities capable of hosting 125 individuals, along with a heave compensated gangway to facilitate seamless transfers. With compliance to Special Purpose Ships regulations, the 'Wind Innovation' represents a significant advancement in offshore hospitality solutions.

Eidesvik Shipping, a prominent player listed in Oslo and part of the Eidesvik Offshore group, has reached a significant milestone by signing a memorandum of agreement for the sale of its well-known seismic survey vessel, VIKING II (IMO: 1234567). This vessel, with a deadweight tonnage of 4,410 and commissioned in 1999, has found a buyer, whose identity remains undisclosed. Although the specifics of the transaction, including the sale price, have not been made public, Eidesvik has indicated that the vessel was sold near its book value. The transfer of VIKING II is expected to take place in the third or fourth quarter of this year. Notably designed and built in Norway, VIKING II boasts advanced integrated geophysical and navigation data acquisition systems, along with sophisticated onboard data processing and quality assurance capabilities, as highlighted on the company’s official website.

Tensions are escalating in the South China Sea as Vietnamese officials express their anger over a recent incident involving a Chinese fishing vessel that sabotaged the exploration operations of the 'Viking II.' This offshore vessel, contracted for oil exploration, was targeted approximately 160 nautical miles from South Vietnam’s coast, firmly within its exclusive economic zone, as confirmed by a spokesman from the Vietnamese government. In response to ongoing harassment of Vietnamese maritime activities, hundreds took to the streets in Hanoi this week to voice their discontent. Amidst the rising anger, a Vietnamese coast guard ship had previously issued a warning to the offending vessel, identified as fishing boat number 6226. However, the Chinese fishing boat aggressively maneuvered in close proximity to the 'Viking II,' resulting in the severing of crucial exploration equipment. The calamity escalated when the 'Viking II's' exploration cables became entangled with the fisherman’s gear, ultimately damaging its propeller. In light of this provocative incident, Vietnam has formally demanded that China cease its aggressive actions in the region, and is also seeking financial restitution for the damages inflicted on the 'Viking II.' The ongoing protests and official statements highlight the increasing strain in maritime relations between the two countries as discussions regarding territorial rights in the South China Sea continue.