The Damen-built subsea support vessel Maersk Connector has been on sea trials in the Black Sea since last Monday.

The vessel is owned and operated by Maersk Supply Service (MSS) and is built to contract for a seven-year charter agreement with DeepOcean.

It was launched in July at Damen Shipyards Galati, Romania.

According to MSS, so far, the sea trials include maneuvering trials, failure modes, main engine durability tests, dynamic position tests and speed tests.

“The tests are a very positive acquaintance for the crew and the site team, and the crew is looking very much forward to working with Connector,” says Joao Andre Oliveira Rodrigues, project manager for special projects & newbuildings and Nick Trier Madsen, marine specialist.

The Maersk Connector is scheduled to arrive in February 2016 with already four jobs lined up after its delivery.

The second of a new generation of cable-laying vessels developed by the Damen Shipyards, the DOC 8500, is 138 meters in length and has a beam of 27.5 meters.

The 9,300 dwt vessel will be equipped with a 7,000-tonne carousel, feature a 2,200 square metres of unobstructed deck with a loading capacity of 20t/m2 and ro-ro capability and be able to push the speed to up to 12 knots.

Subsea World News Staff; Photo: MSS/Damen