Anchor-handling tugboat (AHT) offshore support vessel Olympic Hercules

New name: Thor II. The first vessel based on the ULSTEIN design portfolio which was launched in 2000. She is a high spec Multifunctional Anchor Handling Tug Supply Vessel of the ULSTEIN A101 design, designed for a wide range of offshore operations. She has large rope and wire capacities and a hotel compliment of high standards. The naming of the vessel on 12 January 2002 was a spectacular happening as it coincided with the official opening of the new dock and dock hall at Ulstein Verft by the Minister of Trade, Ansgar Gabrielsen. "Ulstein Verft has long experience in the construction of these types of vessels, and few can compete on quality. This is a stunning vessel that functions exactly as it should under all conditions. For the crew, this is a comfortable workplace with little noise and movements. In the first months of operation, we have taken on several assignments including towing, transport and anchorhandling in the UK and Norwegian sectors in the North Sea. We have also performed subsea operations down to 500-600 metres." Despite a poor offshore market for parts of 2002, Olympic Shipping AS reported a good result for the operation of the 'Olympic Hercules'. The vessel completed 44 jobs in 2002, after having been delivered on 18 January, and proved to be suitable for deep-water operations where all her 23,500 horse power is required. According to the shipowner, the ULSTEIN A101 design became attractive in the North Sea after short time due to the combination of size, breadth and power. The high freeboard means that little water approaches deck in heavy seas, making it safer for the crew working on deck.