July 21 - Heerema Marine Contractors (HMC) has signed a letter of intent with Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering to build a new deep water construction vessel, with a value of USD 600-700 million.
The monohull vessel will be able execute complex deep water infrastructure and pipeline projects in ultra deep water, and will have sufficient lifting capacity to execute installation of fixed platforms in relatively shallow water.
A key attribute of the vessel will be its fast transit speed. HMC believes this will complement its existing fleet.
DSME has been awarded the design, engineering, procurement, construction, installation, commissioning and testing of the vessel. Huisman will be responsible for the cranes, tower and reels. The vessel is scheduled for completion of all tests and trials by mid-2013.
The vessel will be fitted with a pipelay tower for J-lay (tension capacity of 2,000 tonnes) and reeling. A crane with a revolving lift capacity of 4,000 tonnes will be installed together with deepwater lowering equipment to reach a water depth of 3,500 m.
