A joint venture between DOF Subsea and Technip has been awarded contracts to build and operate four new pipelay support vessels (PLSV) for Brazil's Petrobras.
Two of the PLSVs will have a 300-ton laying tension capacity and will be fabricated in Brazil. The other two vessels will be designed to achieve a 650-ton laying tension capacity, thus enabling the installation of large diameter flexible pipes in ultra-deepwater environments, such as the Brazilian pre-salt.
Vard Holdings will be in charge of the design and construction of the four PLSVs.
Under the DOF Subsea/Technip joint venture agreement, Technip will manage flexible pipelay and Norskan, a DOF subsidiary, will be responsible for marine operations. Delivery of the PLSVs is scheduled for 2016-2017. Contracts will last eight years from start of operations, and could be renewed for another eight-year period.