Two large DSVs expand Boskalis subsea services

Royal Boskalis Westminster (Boskalis) has added two diving support vessels (DSVs) to expand its subsea services.

The Netherlands-based company said an agreement had been reached with the bondholders of the two former Harkand vessels under which it has acquired the DSV Atlantis for US$60 million.

It also signed a three-year bareboat charter for her sister vessel Da Vinci, which includes a right of first refusal clause in the event of a sale.

The vessels, which were taken into service in 2011, are equipped with two bells for saturation diving work to a depth of 300 metres. They provide accommodation for 120 crew.

It is believed the additions will strengthen the company’s position in inspection, repair and maintenance of subsea offshore installation, pipelines and cables. It could also expand its subsea contracting, installation and SURF (subsea umbilicals, risers and flowlines) in the offshore energy market in northwest Europe, Africa and the Middle East.