Vard to build Topaz subsea vessels

Specially developed for crane operations and light subsea construction with intervention duties, the vessels will be of VARD 3 08 design, measuring a total length of 98.1m with a beam of 20m.

Roy Reite, CEO and executive director, Vard Holdings, said: “We are honoured to receive these contracts from our new customer in Dubai, and are pleased to welcome the company into Vard’s client portfolio. We look forward to developing these new vessels closely with the Topaz team.”

The vessels will be designed by Vard Design in Ålesund, Norway and the hulls to be constructed at Vard Tulcea in Romania. Delivery is scheduled from Vard Brattvaag in Norway in the third quarter and fourth quarters of 2017 respectively. The aggregate value of the two contracts exceeds US$100 million.

The DP2 class vessels will have a 120 tonne active heave compensated offshore crane with the capability to reach working depths of 3000m. Subsea equipment can be lowered down onto the seabed through a 7.2m x 7.2m moonpool or over the shipside.

In addition, both vessels will be prepared for two Remote Operated Vehicles (ROVs), which are deployed via Launch and Recovery Systems (LARS) in the ship’s side. The vessels will be built according to the latest Special Purpose Ship (SPS) regulations, and can accommodate up to 82 persons in high standard cabins.