The Netherlands: IHC EB Completes Delivery of its First Turnkey Deepwater Pipe Lay System

IHC Engineering Business (IHC EB), a part of IHC Merwede group, has successfully delivered its largest project to date, a 2,000 tonne capacity J-Lay tower for client Saipem. After intensive design, manufacture and installation, assisted by Saipem teams, the system is en route to West Africa.

The rigid pipe lay system, one of the worlds most versatile, was installed, commissioned, tested and trialled on the new build vessel, Saipem FDS2, in South Korea. The system can handle pipes from 4” to 36” in diameter and with the tower angle adjustable from 45 to 96 degrees can lay in deep and shallow water. An integral bulky item handling system and an adjustable stinger also contribute to the high functionality and versatility of the system.

The key design drivers throughout the development of the system were the efficiency of the pipe handling operations to ensure low cycle time, weight optimisation and safety in all aspects of operation. IHC EB has successfully delivered an industry leading system that meets Saipem’s challenging requirements as well as achieving DNV design approval.

IHC EB Sales and Marketing Director, Toby Bailey commented on the completion of the large-scale project, “The delivery of the Saipem J-Lay tower is another significant step forward for IHC EB as it is our first turnkey deepwater pipe lay system. IHC EB has undergone major development and streamlining to cope with the demands of such a large-scale project, and is now positioned as one of a small number of companies around the world capable of delivering vessel systems of this size and complexity.”

Company profile IHC Merwede

IHC Merwede is focussed on the continuous development of design and construction activities for the specialist maritime sector. It is the global market leader for efficient dredging and mining vessels and equipment – with vast experience accumulated over decades – and a reliable supplier of custom-built ships and supplies for offshore construction.

IHC Merwede has in-house expertise for engineering and manufacturing innovative vessels and advanced equipment, as well as providing life-cycle support. Its integrated systematic approach has helped to develop optimum product performance and long-term business partnerships.

The company’s broad customer base includes dredging operators, oil and gas corporations, offshore contractors and government authorities.

IHC Merwede has over 3,000 employees based at various locations in The Netherlands, China, Croatia, France, India, the Middle East, Nigeria, Russia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Technological innovation will remain the company’s underlying strength through its continuous investment in research and development. Moreover, it helps to safeguard a sustainable environment.

Company profile Bredenoord

Bredenoord is a family company that has been involved in the rental, sales and production of mobile energy in The Netherlands and beyond for over 70 years. Bredenoord serves a wide range of markets, including the offshore industry, through rental and sales of generators and emergency generators. In addition, Bredenoord develops sustainable solutions such as particle filters and biogas CPH units, which allow clients to choose mobile energy from a range of fuels and with different emission levels. This spring Bredenoord was awarded the prestigious European Rental Award.

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Source:IHC, April 28, 2011;