Number five for Subsea 7

On 3 May 2013, IHC Merwede successfully launched and named the offshore pipelaying vessel Seven Waves for the offshore construction and service contractor Subsea 7. The ceremony was held in Krimpen aan den IJssel, the Netherlands, where the vessel was named by its godmother Lucia Andrade, vice president Projects & Operations of Subsea 7.

The red coloured vessel Seven Waves will be finished in a couple of months and sea trials are expected to be conducted in September, after which the Dutch company Huisman, based in Schiedam, will install the flexible laytower as well as a crane. Delivery is scheduled for the end of March 2014, after when the vessel will be deployed in Brazil for Petrobras, with whom Subsea 7 has a long-term charter contract for the Seven Waves. Petrobras is responsible for 80% of the subsea business in Brazil and Subsea 7 has been active in Brazil and for Petrobras for years.

Attending audience

The guests were entertained by two bands. One of them played a fitting Dutch song called ‘Rood’, which can literally be translated as ‘red’, the colour of Seven Waves. The audience consisted of a variety of guests including local people which is IHC Merwede’s tradition when they launch a vessel. Due to the holiday period, many children were present, but IHC Merwede also welcomed honorary guests, such as representatives of Subsea 7 and Petrobras, the captain of the ship and many of the suppliers.

After the ceremony, the managing director of IHC Merwede’s Offshore division Arjan Klijnsoon noted: “Seven Waves is the biggest vessel IHC Merwede built for Subsea 7 until now. Its name refers to the seventh wave, which is believed to always be the biggest one.” The ship’s godmother added: ”It is nice to see that the ship’s name also relates to a Brazilian tradition. On New Year’s Eve, Brazilians go to the beach and when the clock strikes midnight, you have to jump seven waves dressed in white for good luck.”

Relationship between partners

Klijnsoon continued by noting the valuable relationship between IHC Merwede and Subsea 7, partly based on the fact that IHC Merwede always delivers on schedule. The Seven Waves is the fifth vessel built by IHC Merwede for Subsea 7. In his speech Klijnsoon joked about building seven when he said: ”It is the fifth vessel, hopefully Subsea 7 will change its name so we don’t have to stop at seven.” In his speech, Subsea 7’s COO John Evans referred to Klijnsoon’s remark: ”We need to keep growing, it would be unfortunate to stop at five, and with IHC Merwede we have a great model that works. I am also proud of our relationship with Petrobras, thank you for your faith.”

Timo Meester