Heerema Marine Contractors (HMC) has signed a letter of intent with Spanish firm Astilleros Armon for the construction of two anchor handling tugs (AHTs).

The two vessels will be equipped with a retractable bow thruster and will have DP2 capabilities.

Each ship will be 72m long, 18m wide and capable of accommodating 28 personnel.

The vessels have a bollard-pull of 180t, with fuel capacity of 2,500m3, while its anchor winch capacity will be able to install anchors in water depths of up to 1,500m.

The two vessels are expected to be delivered in 2013.