CIMC Raffles has signed a shipbuilding contract for a next-generation multi-purpose deepwater offshore installation and construction vessel for a newly established joint venture between Solstad Offshore ASA and SBM Offshore.
The agreement was signed on 22 June and covers a vessel designed for deepwater installation, subsea construction and FPSO-related offshore construction work.
The vessel will be contracted through a joint venture in which Solstad Offshore ASA holds 50.1% and SBM Offshore holds 49.9%. After delivery, the vessel will be owned by the joint venture and managed by Solstad Offshore ASA. The joint venture has also entered into an initial 14-year charter agreement with SBM Offshore.
Lars Peder Solstad, CEO of Solstad Offshore ASA, said the contract is an important milestone for the company’s partnership with SBM Offshore and marks the start of collaboration with CIMC Raffles on the vessel’s construction.
The newbuild draws on the operational experience of Normand Installer, a construction support vessel jointly owned and operated by Solstad Offshore ASA and SBM Offshore since 2006. Developed with Salt Ship Design, the vessel reflects current requirements in the global deepwater installation and subsea construction market.
The vessel will support FPSO operations, subsea installation and offshore construction in both shallow-water and deepwater environments, with capability in water depths of up to 4,000 m. It will also support mooring system installation, SURF operations, inspection, maintenance and repair, and FPSO-related offshore construction activities.
The vessel will measure 132.6 m in overall length and 32 m in beam, with accommodation for up to 100 personnel. Key equipment will include a 500 tonnes Active Heave Compensated offshore crane, an advanced deepwater winch system, an integrated carousel system, an A-frame launch system, an overboarding sheave system and launch and recovery systems for remotely operated vehicles.
The vessel will be built to Methanol Ready standards, equipped with DP2 and classed by DNV.
CIMC Raffles said the contract reflects confidence in its design, construction and project execution capabilities and reinforces its position in the global high-end offshore equipment market.
