Technip’s latest newbuild, the diving support vessel (DSV) Deep Explorer (illustration: Technip)

Technip’s latest newbuild, the diving support vessel (DSV) Deep Explorer, was officially named on Saturday November 12, in Norway. The traditional naming ceremony was held at VARD’s Langsten shipyard. The vessel godmother was Heidi Brovoll-Bø, wife of Knut Bø, President of Technip’s North Sea Canada region.

The vessel hull was built by Vard Tulcea shipyard in Romania, and then towed to Vard Langsten in Norway for equipment outfitting and commissioning. The vessel features a state-of-the-art 24-man twin bell saturated dive system rated to 350 metres. The dive system was designed, built and commissioned by JFD, part of James Fisher and Sons plc.

Deep Explorer is a DP3 class DSV, purpose-designed and certified for subsea projects in the demanding North Sea Canada market. She is the most modern and versatile DSV in the world, thanks to her latest technology diving control system, 400-tonne box boom crane, large deck area, working moonpool and work-class ROVs. Deep Explorer is capable of working globally on diving and subsea construction projects, even in extreme weather conditions. She will commence operational duties in 2017.

Bruno Faure, Technip’s Senior Vice President Subsea Projects and Operations, said, “This event marks an important milestone in this three-year project to design, build and deliver this impressive fantastic new ship. We are proud to welcome the Deep Explorer, an impressive key asset for the Technip fleet and for our clients. My sincere thanks to all those in Technip and our partner companies who have contributed to this successful project.”

Yard Director and Senior Vice President at Vard Langsten, Dag Vikestrand, commented, “It has been a great honour for us in VARD to be a part of this exciting project. Deep Explorer represents a technological quantum leap, thanks to the excellent teamwork between Technip, JFD and VARD. The knowledge, skills and experience of all parties involved have been key factors in achieving the design and build of this impressive vessel.”

Technip operates a leading-edge fleet of 18 vessels (with another 4 under construction) specialised in pipeline installation and subsea construction on all continents.

Tags: JFD, Technip, VARD Group