Reef Subsea’s New IRM and Subsea Construction Vessel Unveiled in Aberdeen
26 April 2012
International subsea service group Reef Subsea AS unveiled its new inspection, maintenance and repair (IMR) and subsea construction vessel at Aberdeen Harbour yesterday (Wednesday 25th April 2012).
The Reef Larissa, which has just returned from four days of trials in the North Sea, will be operated by Aberdeen-based ROV and survey services provider Specialist Subsea Services Ltd (Sł).
The vessel is one of two sister ships on a five year charter agreement from Neptune Subsea AS. Originally named Neptune Larissa and Neptune Despina, the vessels have been renamed the Reef Larissa and Reef Despina. Measuring 98.6m x 19m in size, the Reef Larissa is a DP2 class, suitable for deepwater, and sleeps up to 78 people. Two of Sł’s Triton XLXwork class ROVs are installed on board along with a suite of survey equipment.
The vessel is equipped with a 150 tonne SWL crane with active heave compensation, an enclosed ROV hangar with two integrated LARS for the deployment of work class ROVs on both sides of the vessel, a large moonpool and up to 935m˛ of deck area. On its own, the 150 tonne crane is able to work in depths of over 2,000m, and when combined with the work class ROVs, the vessel will operate in depths of up to 3,000m.
The Larissa has been designed to produce a faster transit speed in head seas, and is environmentally efficient due to its reduced fuel consumption and streamlined design.
Graeme Kidd, managing director of Sł, said: "We are delighted to be in a position to offer the Reef Larissa, which is Sł’s first IMR and subsea construction vessel. Its addition to the Reef Subsea fleet will place us in a stronger position to support offshore operations in the North Sea, Europe and Africa and provide customers with a comprehensive package of services.
"The Larissa is equipped with the latest technology and combined with its ability to operate in deepwater, will allow us to use our work class ROVs in conjunction with tooling packages on a wider range of projects. These benefits are further strengthened by recent enhancing works that have been implemented on board to provide suitable working conditions for our offshore project teams. These works include more office space and an increased accommodation capacity from 65 to 78.”
Tim Sheehan, Reef Subsea Chief Operating Officer, added: "We are extremely pleased to unveil the Reef Larissa in Aberdeen Harbour before she leaves for her first assignment. Like her sister ship she will bring to all our clients from both oil and gas and renewable energy sectors the additional resources they may need to develop their subsea and offshore fields. The new vessels enjoy Clean Design and Green Passport status to further reduce environmental footprint and increase safe working conditions for offshore crew and project teams.”
