zoomPhoto: Damen

The Saipem 7000 semi-submersible crane and pipelay vessel has arrived at Damen Verolme Rotterdam (DVR) for a major upgrade of its current DP3 system to meet the new closed ring DP3 configuration and ABS EHS-P notation.

The project will include the upgrade and modification of the vessel’s power system for load sharing, the installation of MV, LV and control cables, renewal of the MV and LV switchboards and the motor control centres, the installation of uninterrupted power supplies (UPS) and the creation of an A60 compartment.

Detailed engineering is being executed by Damen Verolme Rotterdam in close cooperation with Saipem.

When completed, the vessel’s DP3 system with its 12 thrusters will ensure that the vessel can maintain its position in even the most adverse weather conditions. In addition, because the Saipem 7000 can accommodate up to 725 people, the vessel will be able to assist hook-up and commissioning activities as well as initial platform life support.

The works will take around six months, with completion due in Q1 2019.

The Saipem 7000 is owned by Saipem S.p.A. and managed by Saipem Offshore Norway. The vessel can handle the entire scope of offshore construction developments from pipelaying in water depths greater than 2,000 meters to heavy lift operations of up to 14,000 tonnes.

“We are very proud to have the Saipem 7000 back at Damen Verolme,” said DVR commercial manager Praveen Badloo and sales manager for Italy Jorrit Pilaar. “The DVR team has put in a great deal of effort to win this order and together with Saipem we look forward to a successful outcome of the project.”