Newbuilding fixed for North Sea wind farm support
Sketch of the two new multipurpose vessels Topaz Tiamat and Topaz Tangaroa
The DP2 diesel-electric vessel has a 120-tonne active heave compensated subsea construction crane, a deck area of 1,000m2 and accommodation for 82 passengers in comfort class 3.
The undisclosed charter rate "reflects market terms" and lasts initially for seven months from February 2019, with options to extend until the end of 2020. Built as one of a pair at a total reported price of USD 115 million, the vessel and its sister, Topaz Tiamat, will both now be deployed on North Sea projects. The charter adds to Topaz’s end-September revenue backlog of USD1.4 billion.
Commenting on the transaction, Topaz CEO René Kofod-Olsen said: "Having recently signed the Topaz Tangaroa’s sister vessel – the Topaz Tiamat – on a long-term contract to Reach Subsea of Norway, it is particularly rewarding that both vessels are leaving the yard to go straight into significant contracts with strong counterparties.
"The contracts reflect the trends we are seeing with both general subsea operators and offshore wind project owners becoming increasingly selective and demanding innovative, safer and more efficient vessels. This significant contract is a testament to Topaz’s strategic, counter-cyclical investment into a growing subsea segment."
