‘Helix 5000’ starts Gulf of Mexico contract

Helix Energy Solutions’ new well intervention semi-submersible, the Q5000, entered service last week. According to Helix, the unit is currently on hire for a client in the Gulf of Mexico.

Owen Kratz, President and Chief Executive Officer of Helix, stated, “The successful deployment of the Q5000 is the culmination of a three-year effort on the part of our organization to launch a second semi-submersible purpose-built well intervention asset after the Q4000. We are pleased that we are able to put the vessel into service in advance of the long-term contract that commences next April for BP.”

He also said the vessel was contracted with another client after the current short-term project is completed and “we are seeking additional opportunities to put the Q5000 to work in advance of its long-term commitment.”

The vessel was delivered by Singapore’s Jurong Shipyard in May 2015. Under the original deal signed in April 2013, the Q5000 should have started its BP contract in the third quarter 2015. However, the parties agreed to postpone it for April 2016, leaving Helix space to market it to other potential clients until that date.