Global Marine Group has added a new installation and construction vessel to its fleet that can be used in the offshore wind industry.
The Normand Clipper, on long-term charter from Solstad Offshore, will be operational within the first quarter of this year.
Global Marine Group’s subsidiary Global Offshore will operate the vessel, which is being fitted with a 4000 tonne cable carousel, two 15 tonne cable tensioners, a 25 tonne quadrant deployment frame and a fully integrated control system.
Global Offshore managing director Mike Daniel said: “The Normand Clipper is a fantastic addition to our already strong fleet, offering further capability and increased capacity and scope of services to our customers.
“Our in-house engineering and operational teams are currently working together to mobilise the vessel in Blyth ahead of two important projects; the Pentland Firth power cable installation project on behalf of one of our key customers SSEN commencing in May, followed by inter-array cable installation at the Danish Kriegers Flak wind farm, for offshore energy giant Vattenfall, later this summer.”
The Normand Clipper will be capable of operating in an increased operational window of wave heights of up to 3 metres.
The large open back deck will allow for full lengths of constructed cable protection systems to be stored, facilitating a shorter operational turnaround for customers. Up to three inter-array cables per day can be installed from the vessel.
After upgrade, the DP2 vessel will be able to work within, and mobilise quickly between, offshore renewables, oil and gas, power as well as telecommunications installations and repairs.
The Normand Clipper will also be capable of working as a dedicated trenching vessel, using one of Global Offshore’s two Q1400 trenching systems to ensure the long-term safety of the product on the seabed.
The Normand Clipper will similarly be able to carry out fibre optic cable installation utilising two 12 tonne linear cable engines, jointing and testing capability, a cable plough, trenching system and work-class ROVs for post-lay inspection.