Niestern Sander Builds a Unique ‘Walk-to-Work’ Vessel

Royal Niestern Sander has launched the construction of a unique “Walk-to-Work” vessel, the yard number 848.

Recently NAM selected Royal Wagenborg to support their offshore operations for the upcoming 10 years. For this assignment Wagenborg awarded Royal Niestern Sander the contract for the newbuilding.

This vessel will have a crucial role and will enable NAM to execute work activities on production platforms for offshore gas production more safely, efficiently, effectively and in a more productive manner.

During the last months many preparations for the building phase were made. The subcontractors were hired and the whole vessel was drawn and designed in 3D by Niestern Sander. “We know exactly if all parts will fit, if we can reach all locations during the building process. In fact we now know if the building process will go as designed”, says production manager Jules Blokhuis.

The ‘walk to work’ vessel has many unique components, which have never been seen together on one vessel, such as a heave compensated access system and crane, propeller system and a cold start up installation.

NAM project manager Haije Stigter explains: “Due to this unique design we probably meet some challenges. The biggest challenge so far was the position of the cold start up installation. We would to have this installation below deck to create a huge deck area. Because of regulations this wish wasn’t easy to arrange, but together we were able to come up with a solution. So far we achieved all planned milestones according our planning“.

The vessel will be made of 7 prefabricated sections which all have to be built by June 2014. A month later, these sections will be assembled and within next two months the entire vessel will be ready for the launch.

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Press Release, November 25, 2013