DUTCH GOVERNMENT PICKS PANTHER FROM BLUESTREAM

For wreck removal, security and waterway maintenance, the Dutch Government chose the Saab Seaeye Panther XT Plus as the best ROV on the market.

This followed a year-long evaluation of all key ROV manufacturers using European Union tendering rules.

Subsea operator Bluestream, drove the bid and have gone on to boost their existing fleet to 16 Saab Seaeye vehicles with the purchase of their own two Panther XT Plus, along with three additional Tigers, in an ROV investment plan for 2014 worth over £4million.

Dutch Government Panther aboard the Arca.

Speaking of the Dutch Government’s decision, Bluestream’s managing director, Rolf de Vries says the Government was impressed by the Panther’s ability to handle heavy payloads and cope with strong currents.

They also saw Bluestream’s advanced maintenance philosophy – linked to Saab Seaeye’s training programme – as the best on offer in the industry and a vital component of the five-year maintenance contract.

Rolf de Vries says that in more than 14 years’ experience with Saab Seaeye, the company has proven the performance capability of their vehicles and their commitment to support and training.

The scope of his fleet of 16 Saab Seaeye’s ROV’s now extends from general inspection Tigers up to the work class Panther XT Plus.

Commenting on building a 10-strong Tiger fleet, de Vries believes the Tiger is an ideal design for general inspection tasks and drill support in the North Sea, in terms of size and observation capability.

He concludes by saying that the enhancement of his fleet demonstrates Bluestream’s commitment to growing its ROV resources and investment in advanced remote technology, “to serve the growing demand of our valued customers.”