SURF contractor Ceona says its newbuild Ceona Amazon flagship has been kitted out with its latest batch of equipment, as it nears the start of operations.

The successful installation of the 570te (top tension) inclined multiple pipelay Vertical Lay System (VLS) and the twin 400te Active Heave Compensated masthead cranes onto the deepwater field development vessel took place at the Huisman yard in the Netherlands. The two 18 m (59 ft) diameter wheels on the top tower and deck aft have also been installed.

Huisman is also due to complete the electrical and hydraulic hookup, and perform the commissioning of the system.

The Ceona Amazon was officially christened in Bremerhaven, Germany two months ago, and successfully underwent sea trials ahead of schedule.

Steve Preston, CEO of Ceona, said the company is looking forward to showcasing the vessel’s deepwater subsea tieback and field development capabilities. The Ceona Amazon will be able to perform in multiple pipelay and operational modes, particularly for heavy subsea structure and floater installation services. It will have the capacity to carry 8,500te of rigid pipe or 5,500te of flexibles, and be able to lay both types, as well as install heavy subsea structures or floaters using the two twin cranes in tandem.

The vessel’s G-lay pipelay system was developed and patented by Ceona, and features an inclinable lay spread with a top tension of 570te and a rigid pipe firing line system. It combines the offshore assembly of rigid pipe joints along a traditional firing line, then plastic bending of the pipe through a route similar to that of a reel-lay vessel, completed by a vertical exit through the moonpool (J-lay).

The vessel is 199.4 m (654 ft) in length and 32.2 m (106 ft) wide, with a draught of 8 m (26 ft) and a gross tonnage of 33,000te.