IHC Merwede launches latest deepwater pipelay vessel

Feb. 27, 2014
IHC Merwede has launched the pipelay vessel Sapura Topazio at its shipyard close to Rotterdam.

Offshore staff

KRIMPEN AAN DEN IJSSEL, the NetherlandsIHC Merwede has launched the pipelay vesselSapura Topazio at its shipyard close to Rotterdam.

The 550-ton, 145.9-m (479-ft) long vessel – ordered by the SapuraKencana and Seadrill joint venture Sapura Navegação Marítima – is destined for Brazilian waters to develop oil fields in up to 2,500 m (8,202 ft) water depth for Petrobras.

It will feature a pipelay spread designed by IHC Engineering Business and two below-deck storage carousels, with capacities for 2,500 tons and 1,500 tons.

A vertical (tiltable) lay system with a 550-ton top tension capacity will be permanently installed for deployment of a range of flexible products.

The tower orientation allows for maximum deck space, while using a 610-ton abandonment and recovery system. An IHC Drives & Automation-designed control system integrates each aspect of the pipelay spread.

02/27/2014