Shell-bound DSV Kreuz Challenger named

Singapore-based Kreuz Subsea has named its second newbuild diving support vessel (DSV), the Kreuz Challenger, presently under construction by the Norwegian shipbuilder Vard.

The Kreuz Challenger DSV is scheduled for delivery from Vard Søviknes in Norway in the second quarter of 2017.

The DP-2 vessel is of VARD 3 17 design and is capable of undertaking light construction as well as SURF and IRM projects. It is 91.2 meters in length and 21.5 meters in width and is equipped with a 12-man saturation diving system, Self Propelled Hyperbaric Lifeboat (SPHL), 100-ton active heave compensated (AHC) crane, and accommodation for 105 personnel.

Kreuz Challenger will be providing inspection, remedial and maintenance (IRM) services for Brunei Shell Petroleum and comply with the latest Special Purpose Ships (SPS) regulations.

The company said that the vessel is specially designed and equipped for diving and subsea operation duties, with a focus on sea-keeping abilities and low fuel consumption.

Kreuz won a seven-year contract with Brunei Shell Petroleum (BSP) for the provision of underwater IRM Services in 2015. Under the contract, Kreuz Subsea had to supply the vessels to complete the job. MPSV Bourbon Evolution and Bourbon Supporter were hired for the first period of the contract while an order was put in June 2015 for the Kreuz Challenger to be built specifically for this project.

Kreuz Subsea has been working in Brunei for Shell since 2010.