Built as a crude oil tanker under yard No 1133 by Howaltswerke Deutsche Werft, Kiel for Shell Tankers (UK) Ltd., London.
01 January 1968 launched under the name MUREX.
Tonnage 104.772 grt, 212.150 dwt., dim. 325.3 x 47.2 x 18.98m.
Powered by one AEG steam turbine, 28.000 shp., speed 15.5 knots.
July 1968 delivered.
1974 Transferred to Shell Maritime Francaise, not renamed.
When during the early eighties Shell found oil offshore Tunisia close to a place called TAZARKA.
It was not a large field the idea was born by Shell to install a Floating Production Storage Unit at the location.
The MUREX was chosen for this roll and was converted at the CNC yard in La Ciotat, near Marseille.
Her accommodation block and engine room were not converted only on deck a large conversion took place.
The fore deck was strengthened and fitted out with a helicopter platform.
Her engines, rudder and shaft with propeller were removed.
She was named TAZERKA and was getting prepared for operations at a water depth of 120 meter and a “Yoke” at the bow and a large buoyancy tank, from were the risers went down to the seabed where a barge was installed filled with iron ore where the risers were connected.
18 October 1982 completed and owned by the Shell Tunirex.
First was she crewed by Shell personnel and locals, during 1987 the installation was handed over to the Tunisia Government, also the TAZERKA.
1999 The well became dry and the TAZERKA was disconnected and removed from the well and towed to India. She was bought by the Priyablue Industries PVT. Ltd, and beached on 29 September 1999 by the Sosiya Ship Breaking yard, Gujarat, India for breaking up.
The tanker alongside the TAZERKA on the stamp is not identified.
Monaco 1983 5f sg1643, scott?
Source: Register of Merchant Ships completed in 1968. Navicula. Daily Shipping Newsletter 2004 No 177.
Merchant Ships World Built 1968.