Offshore Japan has selected ABS to class its newly-ordered anchor handling tug supply (AHTS) vessel.

The vessel will be the first Japan-flag vessel built to ABS class, claims the company.

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The AHTS vessel, which will be constructed by Japan Marine United (JMU), will have a bollard pull of 150t and dynamic positioning-2 certification.

The vessel will be constructed as per the 2013 ABS rules for building and classing offshore support vessels.

ABS Japan vice-president Akira Akiyama said that the company is honoured to have been awarded this contract by Offshore Japan to class its AHTS, which marks the first Japan-flag vessel entered into ABS class.

“This agreement reflects the commitment of the ABS Japan team in meeting the high standards required by both the owner and shipyard in this strategically important shipping and shipbuilding nation,” Akiyama said.

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On completion, the new vessel will be used by Offshore Japan for resource exploration and development and maintenance of renewable energy facilities.

The new build vessel is scheduled for delivery in February 2016.

JMU has built and delivered several offshore support vessels since the delivery of its first AHTS vessel in 2006.

The JMU shipyard is the only facility in Japan that builds both AHTS and platform supply vessels.

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