Solstad Offshore confirmed the official signing of the shipbuilding contract with CIMC Raffles for its new offshore vessel, a unit designed for installation and construction operations in deep waters.
The vessel will be built at CIMC Raffles’ base in Haiyang, Shandong Province, China. With this decision, the company is moving forward with the development of a vessel aimed at supporting ocean infrastructure projects, including FPSO systems and operations linked to the growth of the blue economy.
An offshore vessel for complex operations
The new unit is part of the collaboration between Solstad Offshore and SBM Offshore. According to the information released, delivery is scheduled for the first half of 2029.
The project includes a multipurpose vessel 132.6 m in length and 32 m in beam. It will also have accommodation for 100 people, deadweight close to 11,200 tonnes, installed power of 26,900 kW, and a minimum bollard pull of 300 tonnes.
Capabilities for deepwater installation
The vessel’s design was developed by Salt Ship Design in Norway. The vessel will feature a 400-tonne main crane, a 350-tonne A-frame system, an underdeck carousel of more than 2,000 tonnes, a 500-tonne winch, and hangars for two work-class ROVs.
These capabilities will enable installation operations in shallow and deep waters. In addition, the vessel will strengthen SBM Offshore’s engineering, procurement, construction, installation, and operations offering.
A partnership between Solstad Offshore and SBM Offshore
The vessel will be owned by a new joint venture. Solstad Offshore will hold a 50.1% stake and SBM Offshore 49.9%. Solstad will act as ship manager.
The partnership signed an initial 14-year charter agreement with SBM Offshore, with a minimum utilization of 270 days per year. There are also options to extend the charter period by up to an additional 11 years.
CIMC Raffles will build the vessel in China
CIMC Raffles was selected as the shipyard to execute the newbuild. The company will develop the vessel at its Haiyang base, a facility located in China’s Shandong Province.
With this contract, Solstad Offshore and SBM Offshore strengthen a cooperative relationship that began in 2006 and includes the joint operation of the vessel Normand Installer.
Source and photo: https://www.solstad.com/newbuild-contract-signed-with-cimc-raffles/
