Maersk subsea vessel launched in Galati

The

Maersk Connector

is owned by Maersk Supply Service was built to contract for a seven-year charter agreement with DeepOcean. Equipped with survey and trenching capabilities, she will extend DeepOcean’s capabilities in the larger cable-laying end of the market, representing a new focus on interconnector projects in addition to oil and gas sector and renewables work.

The

vessel’s 7,000-tonne carousel equips it for installation and burial projects at a wide range of waer depths, and for operations in remote geographical locations.

The

vessel is designed to meet the high standards demanded by North Sea oil and gas customers, Damen said.

Pierre Boyde, commercial director at DeepOcean, said: “This new vessel will be a critical part of our growth strategy, delivering production efficiencies that will contribute to the lowering of costs in the offshore wind sector. In particular it will play an important part in the roll-out of the next generation of interconnectors that will contribute so much towards maintaining the UK’s energy security and lowering the wholesale cost of electricity.”

The

DOC 8500 design vessel is 138m in length and has a beam of 27.5m.

The

9,300dwt vessel features 2,200m2 of unobstructed deck space, with a loading capacity of 20 tonnes per square metre and ro-ro capability. Top speed will be 12 knots.

Maersk Connector

is now berthed at Damen Shipyards Galati and installation is getting underway on the helideck, cranes and bridge, as well as the fitting-out of the interior. Sea trials are expected to commence by the end of this year.