The Balder Offshore Fleet, owned by Parley Augustsson & Co., Oslo, Norway, will expand its operational capability by the addition of 12 new ships due for delivery during the next 18 months.

These additional ships, all Ulstein's 700 Series designs, the first of which has already been delivered, will comprise two type UT 706 platform supply/diving support vessels and 10 type UT 704 anchor-handling, tug, supply vessels.

Balder Offshore, whose current fleet strength numbers seven vessels operating in the North Sea area and offshore Canada, includes four vessels equipped with moonpools and dynamic positioning to permit dual role operation in either diving support or platform supply modes.