New deepwater offshore vessel wins Dutch award

A new deepwater construction vessel designed by the Norwegian offshore ship designer, Ulstein, has been recognised with an award from the Dutch Association of Ship Owners (KNVR).

The customised ULSTEIN SOC 5000 design is intended for worldwide operations and suited for executing complex infrastructure and pipeline projects in ultra-deep water.

The vessel is capable of switching between various pipelay modes and has sufficient lifting capacity to install fixed platforms in relatively shallow waters as well as performing installation jobs in water depths up to 3,500 m.

Ulstein says the vessel is also the first of its kind capable of lifting 5,000 MT with a single mast configuration on a single hull vessel. The vessel can also be equipped with either a DP2/DP3 system or an eight point mooring system.

The hull form is also said to be optimised for high transit speeds of 14 knots, contrasting with current heavy lift vessels that typically sail at seven knots maximum. This ensures short mobilisation times and maximises earning capacity.

The deepwater vessel, called Aegir, was launched by its owner, Heerema Marine Contractors in the Netherlands, in September.

Edwin van Leeuwen, general manager at Ulstein Sea of Solutions, said: “We are proud that we have been able to support Heerema in developing this innovative vessel based on combining Heerema’s operational experience and our design experiences in complex offshore construction vessels.”

Deepwater construction vessels are in high demand globally, especially offshore Brazil and China where expansion of oil and gas operations into deepwater regions is continuing. Last year, China launched its first deepwater pipe-laying crane vessel.