IHC Merwede Launches Pipelaying Vessel ‘Sapura Diamante’

IHC Merwede has successfully named and launched the pipelaying vessel SAPURA DIAMANTE in a ceremony at the company’s shipyard in Krimpen aan den IJssel, The Netherlands. The naming of the innovative offshore vessel was carried out by Mrs Christina Lucia Duarte Pinho, the Executive Manager of Petrobras E&P Service.

The 550t pipelaying vessel – ordered by Sapura Navegaçăo Marítima, a joint venture

between SapuraKencana and Seadrill – is the first in a series of five fully integrated offshore vessels, which will be completely designed, engineered and built by IHC Merwede. After delivery, the SAPURA DIAMANTE will be used to develop deep-sea oilfields of up to 2,500 metres in Brazilian waters on behalf of Petrobras.

The SAPURA DIAMANTE will be equipped with a pipelaying spread that is being designed by IHC Engineering Business. It comprises of two below-deck storage carousels, with capacities for 2,500t and 1,500t of product respectively. A vertical (tiltable) lay system – with a 550t top tension capacity – will be permanently installed for the deployment of a range of flexible products, varying from a diameter of 100 to 630mm. The pipelaying spread is being built at IHC Merwede’s facility in Sliedrecht, The Netherlands. In addition, IHC Drives & Automation delivered the integrated automation system, the full electrical installation and the complete electrical machinery package.

“In a relatively short period of time, we have built a wonderful partnership with Sapura Navegaçăo Marítima,” says Arjan Klijnsoon, Managing Director of IHC Merwede’s Offshore division. “The launch of the first of five vessels that we are building for this customer is a milestone in our history. Once again, we have proved to be a reliable partner for such complex projects, with the build of all of the equipment and the vessel itself on schedule. In addition, the second vessel – the SAPURA TOPÁZIO – is also well underway and going according to plan.”

“Sapura is pleased to be working with IHC Merwede on the build of this series of sophisticated flexible pipelaying vessels,” says Mark Allpress, Project Manager of SapuraKencana. “IHC Merwede has shown that it can bring together all of the expertise and equipment from its internal companies in The Netherlands and UK, as well as the many local subcontractors, to build high-quality vessels in accordance with the contract schedule. Sapura trusts that the current level of performance on the first two vessels will be maintained through to delivery of the last vessel.”

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IHC, September 27, 2013