zoomPipelaying vessel built by IHC Merwede

Kongsberg Maritime has been chosen to deliver substantial technology packages for ten new pipelaying vessels ordered by Brazilian multinational energy corporation, Petrobras.

In contracts valued approx. NOK 118 Million, the scope of supply includes Kongsberg Maritime’s leading offshore vessel technology including Dynamic Positioning (DP), position reference systems, propulsion control and automation.

Six 550-tonne laying tension capacity pipelayers will be built at IHC Merwede in The Netherlands for delivery in 2015 and 2016. Three of the vessels, for Subsea 7, are identical designs to the recently launched ‘Seven Waves’, and will feature the same K-POS DP22 dual redundant DP system including HiPAP acoustic positioning system and other position reference systems from Kongsberg Maritime. Kongsberg Maritime’s Thruster Control and Vessel Management Systems will also be supplied. These 145.9m long, 29.9m wide vessels will engage in transportation and installation of flexible flowlines and umbilicals in water depths up to 3,000m.

The other three vessels to be built at IHC Merwede will be operated by Seabras Sapura, the partnership between SapuraKencana and Seadrill. Kongsberg Maritime will deliver similar dynamic positioning and thruster control systems.

Kongsberg Maritime will also supply extensive technology packages to four pipelaying support vessels (PLSV) operated under a Technip/DOF joint venture agreement. Two PLSVs, being built by Vard Promar in Brazil, will have a 300-ton laying tension capacity whilst two to be built by Vard Tulcea in Romania and outfitted at Vard Søviknes in Norway will have 650-ton laying tension capacity. The vessels enable the installation of large diameter flexible pipes in ultra-deepwater environments, such as the Brazilian pre-salt. Delivery is scheduled for 2016-2017.

“These contracts have been secured due to a long relationship with shipowners and yards, as well as Kongsberg Maritime’s substantial expertise and experience in developing and delivering cutting-edge DP and automation technology for pipe laying vessels. We are a leading supplier of technology to pipelaying vessels built and operated worldwide, which is reflected in our selection for these prestigious contracts for Petrobras vessels and our recent appointment as the engineering and technology supplier for the Petrofac JSD 6000 deepwater derrick lay vessel. For the Petrofac project we will deliver one of our largest ‘Full Picture’ solutions to date, covering complete EIT equipment and engineering services,” comments Halvard Foss, Regional Manager Sales & Marketing, Kongsberg Maritime.

Press Release, March 17, 2014; Image: IHC Merwede