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Solving the challenges our customers face is at the heart of everything we do. We design complete solutions to provide measurable value where it matters most.
Our goal is designing the best possible ship, which is why we cover every aspect of the process, from concept through to design, equipment selection, procurement, systems engineering, integration to production engineering.
Our approach reduces costs, maximises efficiency and caps risk, delivering solutions that strike a perfect balance between performance, investment and ownerships costs, all backed by an international customer support network.
We test and verify the motion of all our ships, continually improving our designs to solve the challenges facing our customers and evolve the design of our vessels to ensure optimal performance, safety and comfort, no matter the conditions.
With more than 900 designed vessels at sea, we know what it takes to integrate systems so that all major, mission critical components interact correctly, meaning we can ensure efficiency, reliability and safety.
State-of-the-art technology demands state-of-the-art training, so we offer a range of tailored training courses and programmes using the latest simulators and training aids, as well as giving our customers the opportunity to access online training services.
More than 900 UT and NVC vessels are in operation all over the world – under the toughest conditions known to man. We continue to work closely with vessels’ operators and crew, forming a vital knowledge base from which we continually improve and refine our designs, passing those benefits on to everyone we work with.
Celebrating more than 35 years of operation, two generations of Rolls-Royce UT vessels are at the heart of the Les Abeilles fleet protecting the French coastline
Background
On average, 25 vessels in distress a year require assistance off the French coast, and it’s the Les Abeilles fleet that has been coming to their rescue since 1979. Providing pollution prevention, towage and salvage services, two vessels designed and equipped by Rolls-Royce are at the heart of the fleet owned by the BOURBON company, and are on long-term charter to the French Navy.
Designed to the UT 515 design, the vessels took over from two previous UT vessels which achieved an excellent reputation and now operate elsewhere on the coast. Both new vessels are 80m long with bollard pulls of 209 tonnes and are capable of speeds of almost 20 knots, enabling them to reach casualties quickly. The requirements for the two new UT vessels were heavily influenced by Les Abeilles’ experience with its previous UT vessels, and the new additions are earning the same level of respect as their predecessors.
“Our coast protection vessels have assisted about 800 ships. In over 400 cases this involved saving vessels in distress that might have become serious casualties.”Mr Christian Quillivic, managing director of Les Abeilles
Challenge
The Amoco Cadiz tanker incident in 1978 left heavy oil pollution on beaches and was one of the factors that influenced the French authorities to set up a prevention, towage and salvage service, requiring vessels with a good bollard pull and a high speed to reach casualties quickly.
Solution
Since 1979 Les Abeilles has provided pollution prevention, towage and salvage services on the French coast. Two vessels designed and equipped by Rolls-Royce are the fleet's flagships. Made to the UT 515 design and built at Norway's Myklebust shipyard, they are on long-term charter to the French Navy and assist around 25 vessels in distress a year.
Our support teams, located worldwide, are committed to helping you manage the vital balance between operational availability and cost. Wherever your vessel is located, Rolls-Royce support is close at hand.