The Kinderdijk-based company, Royal IHC handed over the unique J-lay vessel ‘Amazon’ to the Houston-based engineering company, McDermott International. After a sea trial program, the conversion project officially came to an end at the end of August. The vessel will now commence its first assignment in West Africa.

Royal IHC has converted the vessel Amazon into a J-lay vessel, used to install rigid pipelines in deep water. The vessel has a patented system including a dynamic top tension capacity of 1.500 metric tonnes. It can handle various types of pipes including but not limited to normal flowlines, export lines and pipe-in-pipe configurations, ranging in size from about 11.5 to 63.5 centimetres in diameter, as well as inline assemblies. Onboard operation processes are also automated for increased safety and efficiency. As a result, less staff is required.

With this acquisition, McDermott has gained an asset to their fleet for ultra-deepwater projects, as this J-lay vessel, their only one, has a holding capacity of 10.000 metric tonnes of pipe on board, and can produce hex joints from single or double joints.

Jan-Pieter Klaver, CEO Royal IHC stated: “Completing the Amazon conversion has been challenging at times. However, we remain incredibly proud of her and the teams on both sides whose collaboration made this possible. This project compelled us to design a one of a kind system, with specifications that can redefine the pipe laying industry and the world’s understanding of what is possible in ultra-deepwater construction. Redelivering the AMAZON is the outcome of dedication, knowledge and passion of all those involved.”