A newbuild subsea support vessel has been ordered by Oceaneering International from BAE Systems, with the unit due to be delivered by the end of the first quarter of 2016.

The vessel will have an overall length of 108 m (353 ft), a Class 2 dynamic positioning system, accommodation for 110 personnel, a helideck, a 250-ton active heave compensated crane, and a working moonpool. It will be outfitted with two 13,000 ft-rated Oceaneering work-class Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs).

It will also be equipped with a satellite communications system capable of transmitting streaming video for real-time work observation by shore personnel.

Oceaneering said the ship will be used to augment its ability to provide subsea intervention services in the ultra-deepwater Gulf of Mexico, mainly for inspection, maintenance, and repair (IMR) projects and hardware installations. IMR projects are expected to include chemical well stimulation and hydrate remediation. Hardware installations are expected to include flowline jumpers, flying leads, and subsea trees, pumps, and separators.

M. Kevin McEvoy, President and CEO, said, “Deepwater drilling rig use in the GoM is currently at a historically high level of 40 rigs, and recent industry market reports have forecast that it may grow to as many as 60 rigs by the end of 2015. Our vessel will be equipped to perform increasingly complex deepwater field development installation work and life-of-field IMR projects resulting from the increased drilling activity.

“In particular, this vessel will have a crane that is capable of handling lifts 100-tons greater than any of the vessels we currently operate. This will increase our capability to meet our customers’ demand to safely handle heavier subsea payloads in deeper water depths.”

Offshore