The Saipem 7000, one of the largest semi-submersible crane and pipelaying vessels in the world, has arrived at Damen Verolme Rotterdam (DVR) for a major upgrade of its current DP3 system.
The upgrade will allow the vessel to meet the new closed ring DP3 configuration and ABS EHS-P notation. Under DP3 EHS-P notation, the vessel will achieve an exceptional level of redundancy with four independent redundancy groups systems.
Upgrade and Modification
The project will include the upgrade and modification of the vessel’s power system for load sharing, the installation of Medium Voltage (MV), Low Voltage (LV) and control cables, renewal of the MV and LV switchboards and the motor control centres, the installation of uninterrupted power supplies (UPS) and the creation of an A60 compartment. Detailed engineering is being executed by DVR in close cooperation with Saipem.
Maintaining Position in Most Adverse Weather Conditions
When completed, the vessel’s DP3 system with its twelve thrusters will ensure that the vessel can maintain its position in even the most adverse weather conditions. In addition, because the Saipem 7000 can accommodate up to 725 people, the vessel will be able to assist hook-up and commissioning activities as well as initial platform life support.
The works will take around six months, with completion due in Q1 2019. This represents a tight schedule, mainly due to the delivery and installation for the cables, the switchboards and the extensive structural modifications.
Saipem 7000
The Saipem 7000 is owned by Saipem S.p.A., a specialist in services in the oil & gas market, and managed by Saipem Offshore Norway AS. The vessel can handle the entire scope of offshore construction developments from pipelaying in water depths greater than 2000 m to heavy lift operations of up to 14,000 t.
The Saipem 7000 has been a regular visitor to DVR over more than two decades, coming in for dry docking, special surveys, repairs, major modifications and mobilisation work. Its most recent visit was in April 2018 when it spent nine days undergoing mobilisation activities.
