McDermott’s Amazon Vessel Arrives in Rotterdam for Upgrade

McDermott International’s pipelay and construction vessel Amazon has arrived at Royal IHC in Rotterdam to start its transformation into an ultra-deepwater J-Lay vessel. 

According to McDermott’s social media update, the vessel arrived in Rotterdam on Wednesday.

IHC is responsible for the overall management of the modification project which includes the build and installation of the IHC-designed and patented J-lay system, and associated onboard multi-joint factory, modifications to the ship’s structures, and the removal and replacement of the equipment and commissioning.

The modifications will consist of removing the existing tower and replacing it with a J-Lay system with 1,500 metric tons (1,653 tons) of dynamic top tension on the tower, which will enable large subsea structures and hex sections of pipelines from 4.5 to 24 inches (11 to 60 centimeters) to be installed.

The Amazon will be capable of installing hex-joints up to 60 centimeters in diameter on a worldwide basis.