The Damen-built subsea support vessel Maersk Connector was launched Thursday at Damen Shipyards Galati, Romania.
The vessel is owned and operated by Maersk Supply Service and is built to contract for a seven year charter agreement with DeepOcean.
Maersk Connector is the second of a new generation of cable-laying vessels developed by the Damen Shipyards Group called the Offshore Carrier 8500. Equipped with survey and trenching capabilities, the vessel will extend DeepOcean’s capabilities in the cable-laying 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 will make it well suited for installation and burial projects from land-fall to deep water and also for operations in remote geographical locations – particularly in North Sea.
Developed as a flexible platform for both transport and installation work offshore, the DOC 8500 is 138 meters in length and has a beam of 27.5 meters. The 9,300 dwt vessel features 2,200 square meters of unobstructed deck with a loading capacity of 20t/m2 and ro-ro capability. Top speed will be 12 knots.
Following the launch, the 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.
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