Dutch offshore contractor Heerema Marine Contractors (HMC) sealed its deal with Jurong Shipyard to build its new mega-heavy lift crane vessel.
HMC had already signed a letter of intent with the Sembcorp Marine subsidiary. Today's engineering and construction contract, worth about US$1 billion, now paves the way for work for start on the as yet unnammed semisubmersible crane vessel, dubbed the NSCV, with completion scheduled for 4Q 2018.
The contract signing comes just a day after engineering contractor Huisman announced work had started on the two 10,000-tonne tub mounted cranes which will make the NSCV a record breaker in its field and HMC's highest capacity heavy lifting vessel. Huisman is building the new design cranes at its facility in China.
The NSCV, which will become the world's largest semisubmersible crane vessel, will be built at the Sembcorp Marine Tuas Boulevard Yard.
The 220m-long, dual-fuel NSCV has been designed for the installation and decommissioning of major offshore facilities.
Unlike traditional tub cranes, which make use of either bogies or large wheels for their slew system, the Huisman NSCV cranes will make use of large bearings of own design which are manufactured in-house, allowing for significant weight saving on the design.
As well as the two 10,000-tonne cranes, it will have a large reinforced work deck area.
Jan Pieter Klaver, CEO of Heerema Marine Contractors, said: “We strongly believe in the successful cooperation between Sembcorp Marine and Heerema to build the world’s largest semi-submersible crane vessel. The new vessel's two yub mounted cranes and dual fuel engines will enable Heerema Marine Contractors to offer unparalleled installation and decommissioning services. This will meet our long-term strategy of delivering the best possible services to the global offshore oil and gas industry."
William Gu Wei Guang, head of Sembcorp Marine Rigs & Floaters, said: “With our new facilities at Tuas that boost deeper quayside draft and wider dock space, we are confident that we will be able to meet our customer’s expectations.”
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Envy of the (Norse) gods - a close up look at the NSCV
Image: An artist's illustration of the NSCV
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