Large conversion contract for Ulstein
Posted: 17 November 2003
Ulstein has signed a contract with Solstad Shipping ASA for converting
the Normand Cutter, a cable-laying vessel. The vessel shall be converted
for construction/pipe-laying.
This work will begin at the end of November/beginning of December,
and will be completed in May.
"The conversion is as large a job as a newbuild", says
Tore Ulstein, Managing Director at Ulstein Verft AS. “There
is more work with this project than with the largest of our ongoing
newbuilds. In periods, all our employees are going to be involved”,
he said.
“It is a pleasure to announce this large and important contract
for all at Ulstein”, says Tore Ulstein. "Solstad Shipping
is a good customer, and we have had several assignments for them.
This is a project we can start quickly, which is important for employment
in the company. The complex tasks which shall be done mean that
we can fully exploit our plant. We really outdid ourselves to realise
this project, and it has become a reality through good and close
collaboration with the ship owner. These optimal working relations
make it possible for us to undertake such a large project in such
a short time span," said Ulstein.
“Those working in steel will be especially busy”, said
Production Manager, Kenneth Pettersen. Further he reports that the
steel work will be divided between Ulstein partner, Maritime Ltd.
in Poland, and the departments in Vanylven and Ulsteinvik in Norway.
The amount of new steel which will be used on the boat is estimated
at approximately 1400 tons. This will mainly be for side sections,
a large crane foundation for a 300 ton offshore crane and a new
ROV/accomodation module.
Undoubtedly, a lot of work lies ahead. "A moonpool will be
built, as well as a new stabilising tank. Both the main deck and
the ship in general require considerable reinforcement in order
to maintain the longitudinal strength. The hangar will be removed,
and new equipment will be installed for pipe-laying. While the Normand
Cutter currently accommodates 70 persons, the vessel shall be upgraded
to accommodate 114 persons. After the conversion, its width will
have increased from 23.4 metres to 27 metres," Pettersen reports.
The boat will arrive at Ulsteinvik, Norway, at the beginning of
December, but the steel work can already start in November. According
to plan, the vessel will be delivered by 15 May. "The deadline
for delivery is short, and will thus require total dedication from
all involved parties," says Sales Manager, Harald Møller.
The Normand Cutter, Hull No. 257, was delivered from Ulstein Verft
AS in Ulsteinvik in 2001. Just after the vessel arrived on the market,
the cable-laying market collapsed. Soon the vessel will enter a
new, exciting market within offshore construction and pipe laying.
For more information see http://www.ulsteinverft.com.
Posted by Richard Price,
Editor Pipeline Magazine
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