Flotel contractor start-up Sirius Offshore Accommodation ordered two giant semi-submersible newbuilds with Chinese yard Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Corp, with options for two more.
Contract price is reportedly around $315 million apiece.
The high-specification, harsh-environment units are scheduled for delivery from the yard in the fourth quarter of 2014, while options for the two additional vessels must be exercised within 18 and 30 months respectively.
Sirius is lining up the premium newbuilds for year-round work in the Norwegian and UK sectors, with accommodation facilities of hotel standard and capacity for 490 workers in individual lugars.
“The company’s goal is to become the leading provider of modern premium offshore accommodation solutions in the North Sea and international markets,” Sirius said in a statement.
The flotels will be designed for a 30-year life and be able to withstand high waves in harsh environments without the need to be demobilized from the field.
Living comfort, safety and operational reliability have been prioritised in the design of the flotel concept.