(With video) Damen-built Maersk Connector has received the Offshore Support Ship 2017 Award.
It is the second vessel of Damen Shipyards Group’s Offshore Carrier 8500 series and was awarded for setting an industry benchmark through its innovative design and efficiency in operation. The Award was presented on 8 February at the Offshore Support Journal Annual Awards in London.
Built at Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania, the Maersk Connector was delivered to Maersk Supply Service in 2016. Since then, it has been on long term charter with UK-based DeepOcean. The vessel’s design is the result of a close collaboration between the three parties.
Maersk Connector Design Particulars
The Maersk Connector is able to deliver all the functionality of a DP2 vessel without having to sacrifice shallow water workability. Equipped with a 7-point mooring system the vessel can manoeuvre on a comprehensive anchor spread allowing close approach for shore end installations. It is also certified to ground out fully loaded in suitable ground conditions for beach operations. This function brings significant savings, eliminating the cost of a separate, shallow water vessel as well as reducing the number of required joints.
Additionally, the vessel features an innovative dual basket 7000 tonne carousel system that can handle HVAC, umbilicals and bundled HVDC power cables, capable of laying two cables simultaneously.
The DOC 8500 is 138 metres in length and has a beam of 27.5 metres. The design’s sleek bow and slender hull enables the vessel to sustain speed and course in head seas with considerably reduced fuel consumption. This characteristic also offers reduced slamming for increased safety and comfort on board.
Video: Maersk Connector – Ready to Connect
Thomas Howard published a video on the Maersk Connector, which follows the vessel from concept to completion and its maiden load-out of a 7000 te HVDC cable. Watch it below.
Picture by Damen.
