DeepOcean charters new build SURF installation vessel
DeepOcean AS, a subsidiary of DeepOcean Group Holding BV, has entered into a five and a half year charter agreement starting March 2016 for a new build installation vessel. This key enabler will enhance DeepOcean’s current service offerings in the SURF (Subsea Umbilicals Risers & Flowlines) segment in the Greater North Sea area, the company said in its press release.
“The expansion into the SURF segment as a lead contractor is something we do with great confidence. DeepOcean has a proven track-record of delivering subsea installation projects including the installation of structures, cables, umbilicals and flexible risers. The addition of the SURF vessel provides us with the opportunity to serve our customers as a lead contractor and offer commercial benefits resulting from the bundling of our services. We have in-depth knowledge of the subsea infrastructure in this region as the leading subsea IMR Contractor. We are witnessing a trend of larger and more complex subsea production assets as well as an increase in the number of subsea tie-backs together with replacement and rejuvenation projects on an ageing subsea infrastructure all requiring larger vessels. I believe the timing is right,” says Mads Bardsen, President of DeepOcean AS.
The new vessel will be owned by Østensjø Rederi and is of SALT 304 design. Key vessel dimensions are; a length of 149.8 metres, a width of 27 metres, and 2,250 m2 of total deck space. The vessel is specially designed and equipped to suit the Greater North Sea market with the fuel saving environmentally friendly Siemens BlueDrive PlusC propulsion control technology and DP3 positioning system. The mission equipment will be a 150T dual tensioner vertical lay system and a 3000 tons carousel situated below deck.
The 400 tons active heave compensated knuckle boom main crane has extended reach and can lift 600 tons in double fall mode. The accommodation facilities will have a capacity of 140 persons.
During the past six months DeepOcean has strengthened its SURF organisation in the UK and Norway. The company recently opened a new office in Westhill, Aberdeen. Future SURF projects will be managed out of the Norwegian and the Aberdeen offices.
“In the last two years we have hired approximately 450 new employees, upgraded our owned and chartered vessel fleet, increased the number of mission equipment to 33 ROVs and 17 trenchers and generated strong financial results while maintaining a solid balance sheet. We currently operate 11 vessels in our home market, the Greater North Sea, managed by our talented employees in Norway, UK and the Netherlands. The addition of this new SURF vessel further differentiates our Company as a new generation IMR Contractor and a lead subsea installation Contractor,” says Bart Heijermans, Chief Executive Officer of DeepOcean Group Holding BV.