Houston-based Helix Energy Solutions is to provide Petrobras with well intervention services for a minimum four years, using two new-build vessels.
The two new monohull vessels, being built at the Flensburger shipyard in Germany for Norway’s Siem Offshore at a total cost of about US$420 million, will be based on a design developed by Salt Ship Design.
Helix will charter the two vessels from Siem Offshore for an initial seven years, with options to extend this to a total 22 years. Both vessels will be 158m-long, 31m wide, and built in compliance with the MODU-class (Marine Offshore Drilling Units).
Helix will provide the topsides, at a cost of about US$260 million, and manage the integration of the well intervention equipment onto the vessels, while Siem will be responsible for the monohull build and oversee the construction at the shipyard.
The first vessel is expected to be in-service for Petrobras mid-2016, with the second vessel to follow later that same year.
Siem will be the owner of the vessels, and charter both the vessels and marine crew. The initial contract with Helix is for seven years, with options to extend to a total 22 years. The initial term of the contract between Helix and Petrobras is for four years, with options to extend.
Owen Kratz, President and Chief Executive Officer of Helix, said: “Brazil represents a significant opportunity for Helix, as does a relationship with Petrobras. This is a major step forward in the execution of our strategic goal to be the best-in-class global leader to rig alternative intervention.”
