The BN 830 offshore subsea construction vessel Normand Maximus has arrived at Vard Brattvaag in Norway for final outfitting.

The hull, of VARD 3 19 design, comes from Vard Tulcea in Romania. It started its journey to Norway following the launch in November this year.

The 178 meters long vessel will become the largest in Solstad’s fleet.

After the delivery in Q2 2016, Normand Maximus will work for Saipem on an 8-year charter agreement.

Reportedly, the Italian contractor aims to combine SURF installation with field development activities in ultra-deep water.

The vessel will feature a 550-ton top tension vertical lay-system, enabling the installation of large diameter flexible pipes in ultra-deepwater environments, and be equipped with a 900 ton active heave compensated offshore crane and a 4.000 ton under-deck carousel for storage of flexible pipes, cables and umbilical’s.

Subsea World News Staff; Photo: Solstad