Subsea 7 has signed a contract with Royal IHC to design and build a new, high-specification reel lay vessel capable of installing complex rigid flowlines including pipe-in-pipe systems.
IHC says that, based on the ratio between top pipe tension and payload to displacement, the US$300 million vessel will be one of the most cost effective vessels to enter the market.
Royal IHC has already delivered eight vessels to Subsea 7. Delivery of the vessel is planned for early 2020.
The vessel will replace the Seven Navica, which is expected to be retired from reel-lay operations in due course. Subsea 7 bought the Seven Navica in 2008 for $62 million.
Subsea 7 has said that the new vessel's capability will address a market trend towards longer tie-back developments. Subsea 7 bought the Seven Navica in 2008 for $62 million.
According to IHC, the vessel will be compact due to "creative positioning" of its three engine rooms and main reel, as well as efficient use of the superstructure, and a low-profile pipelay ramp.
"The smart use of space opens a large aft working deck, whilst the optimized mass distribution minimizes the ballast water requirement," says IHC.
Meanwhile, the design of the reel lay system, also performed by IHC, incorporates a twin tensioner pipelay ramp which tilts to allow pipeline installation from shallow waters to depths to up to 3000m. It also has a large multi-level workstation to optimise the efficiency of operations in and around the firing line, whilst a fixed auxiliary reel, recessed into the main deck, gives payload flexibility.
Dave Vander Heyde, CEO Royal IHC said: “We are very proud of the confidence that Subsea 7 has placed in IHC. Our integrated approach to vessel design will give Subsea 7 an industry leading asset that sets a new standard in offshore pipe lay. Based on the ratio between top pipe tension and payload to displacement, this will be one of the most cost effective vessels to enter the market.”
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