On 12th December, the keel laying ceremony for Hull No. 3402 was held in the Neutae Heavy Zone. Several members involved in this project attended the ceremony including Mr. Pieter Heerema who is the client’s owner and President of Heerema.

As a safety incentive, Heerema donated 250 Oxygen detectors to DSME.

Mr. Pieter Heerema said at the ceremony “I was very impressed with the high standard of safety management and quality when I looked over the shipyard. We trust DSME`s world-renowned technology, systematic quality, and safety management systems. Because of this we chose DSME as our partner. We also wish for the construction to be successful and free of any injuries and accidents. For this, Heerema hands over 250 Oxygen detectors to contribute to the safe work of all DSME workers.”

Hull No. 3402 is a deep water construction vessel with pipe laying facilities and is scheduled to be delivered in October 2012.

Measuring 215 meters in length and 46 meters in width, the vessel weighs 32,000 tons and will be equipped with a 4,000 ton crane and a large pipe reel. This will enable the vessel to lay pipes under the water up to 3,000 meters deep.

The vessel can be operated at speeds of up to 14 knots by utilizing seven thrusters. When this vessel arrives at its location, it will achieve accurate positioning by using its Dynamic Positioning System and Abandonment Winch System. These systems are able to operate in even exceptionally harsh weather conditions.

Subsea World News Staff , December 20, 2011; Image: Heerema