A crop of new subsea construction vessels are on order or just delivered, primarily to Norwegian account, notably Solstad, DOF Subsea and Farstad.
Solstad Offshore has commissioned a newbuild OSCV 03 offshore construction vessel from STX OSV. It is expected to be delivered in spring 2014.
Following delivery, the vessel will work for Reach Subsea under a five-year charter with options for up to three further. The five-year arrangement is worth $114million.
The ship will measure 121m length overall, by 23m breadth and have a working deck of about 1,300sq m. It will be equipped with a 250-ton lift capacity subsea crane and accommodation for 100 personnel.
Design focus is, as expected, on low fuel consumption, and precautions in accordance with DNV’s Clean Design requirements.
The new order will bring the Solstad fleet up to 21 subsea construction vessels of which two are under construction. All are chartered worldwide to subsea contractors. Additionally, the company owns 22 anchor handling vessels and nine platform supply vessels.
Farstad Shipping has, through wholly-owned subsidiary Farstad Supply, reached an agreement with STX OSV AS to build one subsea/IMR vessel. This new building is part of Farstad Shipping’s expansion into the subsea market. Delivery is scheduled for Q1 2015.
The vessel is a STX OSV OSCV 07 design (offshore subsea construction vessel), and is designed for subsea and IMR operations (inspection, maintenance and repair).
Vital statistics are 143m length overall by 25m breadth, plus a working deck area of more than 1,800sq.m.
This vessel will be fitted with two offshore cranes, of which the larger one has a designated lifting capacity of 250 tonnes. It will carry a stable of three ROVs (remotely operated vehicles).
The hull will be built by STX OSV yard in Tulcea, Romania, while outfitting will be carried out at the STX OSV yard in Tomrefjord (Langsten), Norway.
Finally, DOF Subsea has entered into a contract with STX OSV for building of a new vessel to the OSCV 12 design, developed by STX OSV. It will have a total length of about 161m and a beam of 32m. Delivery is scheduled for Q1 2015.