Another new order for Yantai

Following hard on the heels of their announcement of winning an order for a semi-submersible oil rig, Yantai Raffles Shipyard in China has received a contract from Saipem (43% owned by Eni), for the design and construction of an ice strengthened pipe-laying vessel of DP3 class.

The 290 metres long newbuilding with a moulded breadth of 39 metres, will be built to ABS class specification. The purpose-built DP pipelay and subsea construction vessel lays pipelines and supports developments in deep waters. With a main deck height of 24 metres, it has an operating draught ranging from 7 to 10 metres.

The 43,000 tonne vessel, complete with S-Lay pipe system, with the future option of installing a J-Lay system, will be equipped with a 600 tonne mast crane and two 55 tonne pipe handling gantry cranes. It will have superior standard accommodation facilities for a total of 538 persons.

The vessel is scheduled for delivery in early 2010 and, upon completion, will be able to operate worldwide, including the North Sea, Baltic Sea, Barents Sea, South

Atlantic, West African Coast, Gulf of Mexico and Pacific North of Australia.

Brian Chang, Chairman of YRS said, “We are delighted to be chosen by Saipem to design and build this highly sophisticated vessel as this award marks another milestone achievement for the group in the area of offshore projects.”