Vessel design targeting the deepwater segment
"AMC Connector" will be equipped with two turntables for high voltage power cables or subsea umbilicals: one 6000 tonnes capacity on deck and another 3000 tonnes capacity below deck. With a total product payload of 9000 tonnes, "AMC Connector" will be able to take on highly complex and sizeable installation projects.
At full payload the 157 m long and 32 m broad ship will as per Aker Solutions boost an impressive transit speed of 16 knots. This will make the vessel a highly competitive alternative for installation jobs in remote locations.
In addition, the vessel's design shall enable her to operate safely and efficiently in higher waves than most other high-end construction vessels. "AMC Connector" will comfortably operate in significant wave height of 4-5 m, which means that she will have an operating window at the leading edge for installation and construction vessels.
The vessel will be equipped with two heave-compensated offshore cranes - with 400 and 50 t capacity respectively - that can operate down to 3000 metres water depth. She will have two remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) onboard and can accommodate 140 people.
"AMC Connector" is built by STX Europe and will be outfitted at their yard at Søviknes, Norway. She is said to be ready for operations from Q1 2012. The vessel will be owned 50/50 by Aker Solutions and Singapore-based Ezra Holdings Ltd (Ezra), which recently acquired 100 percent of the shares in Aker Solutions' subsidiary Aker Marine Contractors AS. As part of the agreement, Aker Solutions becomes a substantial shareholder in Ezra. The transaction is expected to be completed during Q1 2011.
