Offshore Vessel News Roundup | March 16 – Orders for cable-layers, crewboats and SOVs plus FSRU conversion for Greek owner

A Norwegian shipyard has secured orders from two compatriot shipowners as a Singapore builder has been contracted to supply new hybrid crewboats to a UK operator. A Norwegian subsea services company has begun operating two newly acquired inspection craft as two similar vessels are nearing completion and delivery. Lastly, conversion work has begun on an LNG carrier to enable it to perform gas processing and storage duties in Greece’s Aegean Sea.

NCT Offshore awards contract for cable-laying vessel

Danish company NCT Offshore has awarded Norwegian shipbuilder Vard a contract for the design and construction of a new cable-laying vessel.

Key features will include a hangar for remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), a DP2 system, a large A-frame, two main cable tanks, and single-cabin accommodations for up to 60 personnel. Vard will also equip the vessel with a power and control package consisting of batteries, switchboards, and a shore power connection.

The vessel will also be equipped for cable maintenance and repair.

Conversion begins on future GasLog FSRU

Keppel Shipyard in Singapore has begun work to convert an existing LNG carrier into a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) for Greek operator GasLog.

Following conversion, the LNG carrier Gaslog Chelsea will operate in the Aegean Sea under the name Alexandroupoli.

GasLog claims the DNV-classed vessel, which will have capacity for 155,000 cubic metres, will be the first FSRU to be operated in Greece. Delivery is scheduled for the end of 2023.

DOF Subsea orders ROV quartet from UK builder

UK-based Forum Energy Technologies (FET) has secured an order from Norway’s DOF Subsea to deliver four work-class remotely operated vehicles (ROVs).

The ROV order comprises two that have been delivered and mobilised in late 2022 as well as another two to be delivered in the second quarter of 2023. Although belonging to two different series, the four ROVs enjoy commonality of components, thus increasing vessel availability.

The ROVs are being manufactured at FET’s facilities at Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire.

Singapore builder to supply hybrid crewboat trio to HST Marine

UK operator HST Marine and Singapore shipbuilder Strategic Marine have entered into a memorandum of understanding regarding the construction of three hybrid windfarm crewboats in a series.

Designed by UK-based Chartwell Marine, the 27-metre catamarans will each be able to transport up to 32 personnel. Multiple crew configurations will enable flexibility in space planning and enhance comfort and crew welfare during long offshore stays.

All three vessels are scheduled to be delivered by the first quarter of 2024.

Edda Wind to further expand SOV fleet

Norwegian operator Edda Wind has awarded compatriot company Vard a contract for the construction of four commissioning service operation vessels (CSOVs).

The CSOVs are scheduled to be delivered between the first quarter of 2025 and the first quarter of 2026. Edda Wind has also secured options for additional CSOVs at the same contract prices with deliveries in 2025 and 2026 if declared.

The contract has a value of approximately €‎250 million (US$264 million).