Allseas is preparing Solitaire to return to sea as a ten-month renewal and upgrade programme in Rotterdam enters its final phase.

The 397 m pipelay vessel has been in operation since 1998. The programme has covered pipe handling, tracking, processing, welding and inspection systems, as well as structural components.

Work has also included the modernisation of propulsion, power generation, automation and hybrid power capability. The vessel’s double joint factory has undergone a major transformation after supporting pipelay operations for more than 25 years.

The original double joint factory produced its final double joint under the previous configuration in September 2025. During its operating period, it produced more than 500,000 double joints representing over 13,000 km of pipeline.

Allseas said the upgraded factory would support a more automated and data-driven pipelay process. Renewal work across the vessel is also intended to strengthen reliability, efficiency and performance.

Following sea trials, Solitaire is scheduled to resume commercial operations on an ultra-deepwater pipeline project in the Gulf of Mexico.

The vessel will then begin a two-year campaign covering West Africa, Taiwan and Australia. The programme will involve the installation of more than 1,250 km of pipeline.