Second Damen Offshore Carrier 8500 launched
The Maersk Connector was recently launched
Maersk Connector is the second of a new generation of cable-laying vessels developed by the Damen Shipyards Group. Equipped with survey and trenching capabilities, it will extend DeepOcean’s capabilities in the larger cable-laying end of the market, representing a new focus on interconnector projects in addition to oil and gas sector and renewables work. Its 7,000-tonne carousel will make it well suited for installation and burial projects from land-fall to deep water and also for operations in remote geographical locations, Damen said. The vessel is designed to meet the high standards demanded by North Sea oil and gas customers.
Developed as a flexible platform for both transport and installation work offshore, the Damen Offshore Carrier (DOC) 8500 is 138m long and 27.5m wide. The 9,300-dwt vessel features 2,200m2 of unobstructed deck with a loading capacity of 20t/m2 and RoRo capability. Top speed will be 12 knots.
Following the launch, the Maersk Connector is now berthed at Damen Shipyards Galati and installation is getting underway on the helideck, cranes and bridge, as well as the fitting-out of the interior. Sea trials are expected to commence by the end of this year.
