Huisman to build record-capacity deepwater flex-lay kit

Dec. 15, 2011
Subsea 7 has contracted Huisman to supply and install a 550-metric ton (606-ton) flex-lay system and a 400-metric ton (441-ton) offshore mast crane onboard a new vessel.

Offshore staff

SCHIEDAM, the Netherlands – Subsea 7 has contracted Huisman to supply and install a 550-metric ton (606-ton) flex-lay system and a 400-metric ton (441-ton) offshore mast crane onboard a new vessel.

Delivery of the equipment is scheduled for 2014, with installation to be performed at Huisman’s base in Schiedam. IHC Offshore & Marine Shipyard will build the vessel in the nearby Krimpen aan den IJssel yard.

Huisman says the flex-lay system will be the highest capacity of its type onboard a pipelay vessel, capable of installing flexible pipelines in 3,000 m (9,842 ft) water depth.

The tower will be tiltable to facilitate connection of flexible risers to rigid pipelines, retrieved from the seabed. The system’s tensioners will be retractable to allow for safe A&R and PLET installations. They are also equipped with a squeeze control system that should ensure accurate control of squeeze loads, even at low values, an important consideration when handling umbilicals.

The offshore mast crane features a deepwater lowering system and an active heave compensation system. This should assists installation of heavy structures for deepwater production systems.

12/15/2011