Skandi Olinda vessel begins Petrobras contract

The Skandi Olinda, a Brazilian-flagged flexible lay and construction vessel, has started its eight-year charter contract with Brazilian oil company Petrobras.

The vessel is owned by a joint venture formed between TechnipFMC (50%) and DOF (50%). Under the TechnipFMC/DOF joint venture agreement, TechnipFMC will manage flexible pipelay, and DOF will be responsible for marine operations.

The naming ceremony for the vessel was held in Rio de Janeiro earlier in February.

The Skandi Olinda has a 340-ton Vertical Lay System tower capacity, a 2,500-ton underdeck carousel, and two work-class ROVs, allowing it to lay flexible pipes in water depths up to 2,500 meters. It was built by Vard Promar Brazilian yard, where its sister ship, Skandi Recife, was also constructed.

Arnaud Piéton, President Subsea at TechnipFMC, commented: “We are delighted that the Skandi Olinda is joining our fleet of specialized vessels. This new charter contract with Petrobras reinforces our commitment to the development of the Brazilian market and our extensive ultra-deepwater pipelaying experience.”

DOF Subsea CEO, Mons S. Aase, said: “The extensive newbuild program of 4 PLSVs together with TechnipFMC has combined the subsea and vessel expertise across our organizations. Taking final delivery of Skandi Olinda and commencing the contract with Petrobras marks the successful conclusion of the newbuild program of the joint venture, which now has 6 vessels.”