Subsea 7's New State-pf-the-Art Vessel Commences First Project

24 November 2009

Subsea 7's new state-of-the-art remotely operated vehicle support vessel (ROVSV), the ‘ Normand Subsea', has commenced her first project for Shell in the Ormen Lange field in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea.

The life of field vessel will be utilised exclusively to service the long-term underwater services contract Subsea 7 holds with Shell Entities, operating in Europe, for inspection, repair and maintenance programmes and for some of Shell's capital projects and decommissioning works, across its offshore fields and facilities. The Normand Subsea's first workscope at Ormen Lange includes template and pipeline inspections and ship wreck surveys.

Investment in the Normand Subsea is part of an ongoing capital investment programme of over US $1bn in new assets and equipment which will see eight new vessels joining the existing Subsea 7 fleet between 2006 and 2010.

Steph McNeill, Vice President for Subsea 7's UK region, stated:

"The Normand Subsea is a fantastic enhancement to one of the most modern, technologically advanced and capable fleets of subsea construction, pipelay and support vessels in the world. Our significant investment programme demonstrates our commitment to delivering best in class services for our clients, investing for the long-term and becoming the Subsea Partner of Choice in our sector. We look forward to working with Shell in thesafe and timely delivery of the various work scopes this vessel will be undertaking for them over the next few years."

The vessel, which is on long-term charter from Solstad Offshore, has a unique combination of capabilities that include: a fully enclosed hangar; built in 35t module handling system (upgradeable to 65t); 150t heave compensated crane; an extensive spread of two work class ROVs and four observation class ROVs all equipped for 1200metre depths; a hull with five moonpools; a well treatment system and an extensive online and offline survey suite. It also has on-board facilities for a ship's complement of 90 people.

The Shell Underwater Services Contract is the continuation of an ongoing long-term relationship between Subsea 7 and Shell which commenced in 1984 with one of Subsea 7's predecessor companies.