DNV GL to class Promar-built pipe layers

Promar built vessels are part of a four ship newbuild program

NOVEMBER 6, 2013 — DNV GL says it is to class the two pipe laying vessels (PLSVs) that are to be built at the new Vard Promar shipyard in Recife, in the North East of Brazil. The ships are part of a four ship design and construction order awarded Vard by a joint venture of DOF Subsea and Technip for the design and construction of four pipe lay support vessels (PLSVs). Worth a total of some $1.1 billion (NOK 6.5 billion), the contracts are the largest Vard’s history. Two of the ships are being built in Brazil and two, also being built to DNV GL class, in Norway.

The Brazilian built ships, measuring 139.9 m x 28 m, will have a 300-ton laying tension capacity and will be built with a high Brazilian content. They will be among the most complex vessels ever constructed in Brazil.

“Building these specialized ships represent a great challenge: develop a design, build, test and deliver these two pipe layers in Brazil. When we combine DNV GL’s experience, systematics and people with the pioneering of Vard Promar, we can deal this with this challenge,” says A. S. David, VARD Promar’s project manager for the pipe layers project.

“We opted for DNV GL because of its professional competence and credibility as a class society. We also believe in a synergy between our existing design group and DNV GL’s approval team based in Ålesund in Norway. Beyond that, we count on a resident DNV GL supervisor on our site in Recife, always focused on our needs as a customer, the same way DNV GL serves our Rio office.”

The new designs have been developed in close cooperation with DOF and Technip. The Norwegian built vessels will carry pipe lay towers rated at 650 tons, among the largest ever in the industry.

“DNV GL is proud to be a partner for Vard Promar’s efforts to expand Brazil’s shipbuilding capabilities. The yard in Recife holds great promise and we look forward to working with Vard Promar to deliver in this high profile project,” comments Jonas Mattos from DNV GL.