Keel Laid for DeepOcean Interconnector Vessel

DeepOcean UK, a subsidiary of DeepOcean Group Holding BV, announce the symbolic keel laying ceremony has taken place in Galati, officially launching the construction phase of its new cable lay vessel.

The vessel, yet to be named, will be taken on a long term charter from Maersk, and will extend DeepOceans capabilities in the larger cable laying end of the market, representing a new focus on interconnector projects, in addition to the oil and gas and renewables sectors.

On Wednesday 12th November a key milestone was achieved in the progress of the project, when the formal keel laying ceremony took place in the Damen shipyard in Galati, Romania. In keeping with shipbuilding tradition, a commemorative plaque incorporating 3 special coins was welded to a corridor section of building block number 116.

The ceremony was attended by the shipyard workforce attached to the project, alongside representatives from Damen, Maersk, DeepOcean and Lloyds Register of Shipping, who certified the milestone achievement.

Tony Inglis, DeepOcean UK managing director, said: “This next generation cable lay vessel in combination with our survey and trenching capabilities will enable us to bundle our services for customers in the offshore power cable and umbilical markets. The versatile new vessel will be well suited for installation and burial projects using its 7,000 tonne carousel from land-fall to deepwater and also in remote geographical locations.

“The vessel is designed to meet the high standards demanded by North Sea Oil and Gas customers. We are delighted to be working with Maersk Supply Service and Damen to bring this high capability vessel to the market.”