Ocean services provider DeepOcean has revealed new details about a recently signed long-term charter agreement for a converted, battery-powered multi-purpose support vessel (MPSV) with Norwegian offshore service vessel provider Island Offshore.
In late December, Island Offshore announced securing a long-term employment contract for its walk-to-work vessel Island Condor with an undisclosed Norwegian customer, now confirmed to be DeepOcean. The Island Condor had previously served as a walk-to-work vessel in the UK and has also been involved in Norwegian projects over the past year. The contract involves extensive modifications to the vessel at the Myklebust Yard in Norway.
DeepOcean has now confirmed that the 2014-built vessel will undergo a transformation to become a modern construction support vessel equipped with a 150-tonne crane, which will allow it to provide subsea inspection, maintenance, and repair (IMR) services, as well as light construction and recycling services, for the offshore renewables and oil and gas sectors. The vessel will also be equipped with 2 Schilling HD x WROV systems for 3,000 meters water depth from DeepOcean’s fleet.
During the conversion process, the vessel will be also extended by approximately 11 meters. Dual ROV hangars will be installed, the superstructure will be extended, the DP system will be upgraded, and a large battery pack will be installed. An active front-end system will also be installed, allowing the transfer of redundant energy to the battery pack. A state-of-the-art launch and recovery system for the ROVs will also be installed.
“Re-use of existing tonnage is more environmentally friendly than building a new vessel, and adding battery power is an efficient way of reducing CO2 emissions and operating costs. We are dedicated to reducing our environmental footprint from offshore operations and choose to collaborate with shipowners who can support this effort,” said Øyvind Mikaelsen, CEO of DeepOcean.
The long-term charter contract is set to commence in the third quarter of 2024.
“Our forte is subsea services. Specialist subsea engineering competence and tools coupled with cost-effective work platforms, such as this MPSV, are enablers to conduct the subsea work and create value for operators of offshore energy infrastructure. We are experiencing increased demand for our services, which is why we are adding to our fleet of chartered vessels,” added Øyvind Mikaelsen.
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