GALLERY: Mekers Offshore launches liftboat in China

Zhejiang-based Mekers Offshore has launched its first of two newbuild liftboats at the Dajin Heavy Industries yard in Jiangsu, China.

To remind, marine and offshore engineering consultancy Aqualis Offshore was contracted last year by Mekers Offshore to supervise the construction of two new liftboats, first of which was launched this week.

The deal entailed on-site team monitoring and supervision of the construction of the liftboat while ensuring that all work was carried out in accordance with the construction contract, specifications, and class requirements.

Aqualis said on Wednesday that many government dignitaries as well as top officials from Mekers Offshore and Bestway Dajin shipyard attended the launching ceremony.

The launched self-elevating liftboat is a four-legged, DP2, self-propelled vessel with a working depth of 70 meters. It can house up to 250 people and is suitable for workover and well intervention with a large open deck area capable of carrying equipment and supplies for various offshore exploration, production and support activities.

The vessel is capable of rapid deployment to provide a stable platform in its elevated position for maintenance and construction work.

Reuben Segal, chief operating officer of Aqualis Offshore, said: “The cooperation with the yard and owners has run very smoothly. I am also very pleased with how our site supervision team is performing their tasks.”

The first liftboat is expected to be delivered in the first quarter of 2017 with the second vessel to follow later that year.