Far Samson

The world's most powerful offshore vessel ever built

Far Samson is the world's most powerful offshore vessel ever built, capable of trenching for pipelines and cables in water depths of 1,000m.

Initiated by Farstad Shipping, the UT 761 CD vessel was built by STX Europe Langsten, Norway. The special design was developed by Rolls-Royce in close cooperation with owner and charterer, providing the main ship systems and equipment.

The multifunctional Far Samson is capable of carrying out a multitude of tasks including:  

• heavy ploughing operations for pipes and cables on the seabed
• subsea installation work in ultra-deep water
• ROV operations, towing and other challenging subsea operations

The vessel has a continuous bollard pull of 423 tonnes using all available power and 377 tonnes using the main propulsion system. The vessel is 121.5m long vessel, has a 26m beam and weighs 15,620gt. Draught is more than 8m giving sufficient immersion to the large propellers.

The hull is strengthened to Ice-Class 1B with DeIce-Class for operation in harsh conditions. Hull lines are optimised for 12-17 knot transit speed range, allowing the ship to mobilise efficiently for operations worldwide. Top speed is around 20 knots.

The hullform incorporates a bulb bow with stern sections designed to give a clear flow of water to the propellers satisfying the requirement for extremely high bollard pull. During design and construction utmost attention was paid to internal and external environmental aspects as well as for crew and vessel safety.

Accommodation meets Comfort class (V3)(C3) rules. Accommodation comprises 22 single cabins/suits and 39 double cabins, together with facilities including messes, cafeteria, dayrooms, gymnasium, hospital, offices and conference rooms, spread over six decks.

There is a central lobby and lift to various levels, while the layout allows easy movement of people around the ship.

A major role for the vessel will be pipeline trenching in water depths up to 1,000m. The charterer - a leading specialist in this type of work - has developed a new generation plough capable of cutting a 2.5m deep trench in the seabed, compared with 1.5m typical previously. This allows for larger pipe diameters, giving better protection. The main plough cuts the trench and places the pre-laid pipeline in one operation. A separate backfill plough is used to fill the trench.

A hybrid propulsion system combining diesel-electric and diesel-mechanical transmission gives optimal operating flexibility, fuel economy and reduced exhaust emissions.

Depending on the operation, the UT 761 CD can run in any of six principal propulsion modes. This flexibility means that varying power requirements are efficiently catered for, there is a high-level of redundancy, and engines run at an efficient part of their load range, minimising exhaust emissions.