Offshore contract for Vard confirmed

The company signed a letter of intent with Solstad Offshore back in March – it is the contract largest single vessel order in VARD’s history.

The contract value has already been included in the new order intake and order book values reported at the end of the first quarter of 2014. The vessel is scheduled for the second quarter of 2016.

Of VARD 3 19 design, the new vessel will be developed by Vard Design in Ålesund. The hull of the vessel will be built at Vard Tulcea in Romania, while outfitting will take place at Vard Brattvaag in Norway.

Measuring in with a length of about 180m, the vessel has a breadth of 33m. It will be the largest in the Solstad fleet, as well as the largest ever constructed by Vard, and will feature a 550t top tension vertical lay system, enabling the installation of large diameter flexible pipes in ultra-deep water and in harsh environments.

Other equipment will include a 600t active heave compensated offshore crane and a 4,000t under-deck carousel for storage of flexible pipes, cables and umbilicals. Deck area will be more than 2,500m².

Solstad Offshore ASA is among the largest offshore-shipping companies in Norway, providing advanced vessels and extensive maritime competence for operations related to the offshore petroleum industry.

The company already has two other large subsea vessels under construction.