Heerema Marine Contractors (HMC) has won its first two contract awards for its new crane vessel, Sleipnir.
The first contract is from Noble Energy Mediterranean for transportation and installation services associated with the Leviathan production platform in the Mediterranean Sea, while the second transport and installation contract has been awarded by Maersk Oil for the new production and living quarters platforms as part of their Tyra Future project.
HMC's new semisubmersible crane vessel Sleipnir is due to come into service early 2019. Sleipnir will be equipped with two, 10,000-tonne cranes and is currently under construction at Sembcorp Marine in Singapore.
"The awards are also a confirmation that the industry welcomes a lifting capacity that provides the opportunity to install larger integrated structures in a single lift without compromising the flexibility and robustness of traditional installation methodologiesm" says HMC. "In these cases, Sleipnir will be performing multiple ultra-heavy lifts, some of which will be in excess of 15,000-tonne. The ability to install larger modules than currently possible, with existing equipment, allows both customers to minimize offshore hookup and commissioning activities."
As part of the contracts, Heerema will utilize several of its own barges for the transportation of the various platform components, such as the H-591 being used for the launch of a 15,000-tonne jacket.
“It is encouraging to see that in the current market conditions, there are still clients that truly value, and continue to invest in, strategic relationships with the contractor community. The award of these projects, while the Sleipnir is still nearly two years from completion is a tribute to the longstanding relationship between Heerema and Noble and Maersk Oil respectively, and we appreciate their trust in Heerema’s track record,” says CCO Harke Jan Meek.