March 31 - Heerema Offshore Services has signed a letter of intent (LOI) to build what it says is the world's largest new semi-submersible crane vessel (NSCV), equipped with two cranes capable of lifting 10,000 tonnes each.
The dual cranes, designed and under construction by Huisman Equipment, will provide heavy lifting capacity to install and remove offshore facilities, and will be used to install subsea structures, foundations, moorings, and floating structures in deep water, says Heerema Offshore Services.
The NSCV, which will be built by Sembcorp Marine subsidiary Jurong Shipyard, will feature dual fuel engines (MGO and LNG) with a transit speed of 10 knots, and will also come equipped with a dynamic positioning (DP3) system. The vessel will measure 214 m long with a width of 97.5 m.
Jan-Pieter Klaver, ceo of Heerema Marine Contractors, said: "Our letter of intent with Jurong Shipyard represents the next critical step in our plans to introduce the NSCV to the market. The fact that we decided to press on with our plans in these times of low oil prices, shows our belief in the offshore oil and gas industry and demonstrates our continued commitment to offer unparalleled installation services to the industry. We are confident that with Jurong we have found a reliable partner that can build the world's largest crane vessel."
Wong Weng Sun, president and ceo of Sembcorp Marine added: "We are very pleased that Heerema has chosen Jurong Shipyard as their strategic partner to engineer the construction of the new semi-submersible crane vessel. With our proven track record in building a broad range of semi-submersible vessels for drilling, well-intervention and accommodation purposes, we are confident of building the best vessel to meet Heerema's exacting requirements."
William Gu (left), general manager offshore of Jurong Shipyard and Jan-Pieter Klaver, ceo of Heerema Marine Contractors, signing the letter of intent.
