Edda Fides - the best of two worlds

Edda Fides has found a niche in the market, offering a combination of comfort and rapid mobilisation that clients appreciate. The vessel is currently on contract to Equinor and will soon be heading to Australia.

A NICHE IN THE MARKET

The hotel vessel Edda Fides is as a ‘purpose-built accommodation and service vessel’ with accommodation for 600 persons. It is driven by a Voith Schneider propulsion system, resulting in emissions savings of about 20%. The vessel can operate in wave heights of up to five metres, which means that it can maintain a gangway connection for 92% of the time under North Sea conditions.

Fleet manager Sveinung Zahl describes the vessel as offering the best of two worlds.

“It sails like a standard vessel and can mobilise rapidly from one part of the world to another”, he says. “Compared to barges that have their accommodation modules installed on deck, the Edda Fides has better gangways and offers better standards of accommodation. We’ve found a niche in the market and our clients have been very satisfied with the solution”, says Zahl.

BY HELENE B- HELGELAND // PYX

ON CONTRACT TO EQUINOR AT MELKØYA

At present the vessel is contracted to Equinor, and is housing workers at the Melkøya plant in Hammerfest. says Zahl. “Normally they use standard barracks, but this time they needed some extra accommodation, so the vessel is currently moored alongside in Hammerfest. It is manned by a small marine crew, but is fully equipped. She offers hotel rooms with beds and meals, as well as lunch and dinner for a number of guests. The vessel is also being used as a canteen for those working at the plant. And we’re getting excellent feedback. People are living, sleeping and eating very well”, he says.

NEW CONTRACT IN AUSTRALIA

As soon as Edda Fides has completed the contract for Equinor, she will be mobilised for a new assignment in Australia, where it will serve as an offshore hotel for up to 300 persons linked to a maintenance project on the Wheatstone gas treatment platform. “Edda Fides worked on Wheatstone for Chevron in 2017, and we’re very happy to be back working again for Chevron in Australia”, says Kristian Helland Vea, CEO. Zahl says that the vessel has been experiencing a challenging time with very little activity, but that prospects are now looking brighter.

“We’re seeing less competition in the market”, he says. “There’ll be a demand for vessels for new projects, both during maintenance periods and when projects are being demobilised. Many clients will soon be looking for some additional beds”, says Zahl.