Mekers Offshore Ltd has successfully launched its first in a series of liftboats at Dajin Heavy Industries yard in Jiangsu, China (photo: Mekers Offshore Ltd)

Mekers Offshore Ltd has successfully launched its first in a series of liftboats at Dajin Heavy Industries yard in Jiangsu, China.

Aqualis Offshore, part of Oslo-listed Aqualis ASA, was last year contracted by Mekers Offshore Ltd to supervise the construction of the Zhejiang-based company’s two new liftboats, of which the first was launched this week.

The event saw many government dignitaries as well as top officials from Mekers Offshore Ltd, and the Bestway Dajin shipyard, which also provided detailed engineering.

Aqualis Offshore is contracted as Mekers Offshore’s on-site team to monitor and supervise the construction of the liftboat, to ensure that all work was carried out in accordance with the contract, its specifications, the client’s expectations, flag and class requirements.

“We are very pleased with the launching of this first liftboat, which was carried out safely, on schedule and in a professional manner by all parties. Aqualis Offshore has done a solid job in making the launching and construction project to date a success,” says Dr Cang, Deputy General Manager at Mekers Offshore Ltd.

Mekers Offshore’s recently launched self-elevating liftboat is a four-legged, DP2, self propelled vessel with a working depth of 70 metres. It can house up to 250 people and is suitable for work over and well intervention with a large open deck area capable of carrying equipment and supplies for various offshore exploration, production and support activities. The unit is capable of rapid deployment to provide a stable platform in its elevated position for maintenance and construction work. Various international companies have provided all main equipment, which comes with global warranty and service support.

“The cooperation with the yard and owners has run very smoothly. I am also very pleased with how our site supervision team is performing their tasks,” adds Reuben Segal, chief operating officer of Aqualis Offshore.

The first liftboat is expected to be delivered in Q1 2017 with the second unit to follow later the same year.

Tags: Aqualis Offshore, Dajin Heavy Industries, Mekers Offshore Ltd