A fall pipe vessel: Dutch Royal Boskalis Westminister adds to construction fleet.
Boskalis signs Keppel for newbuild
Dutch Royal Boskalis Westminister has commissioned Keppel Singmarine to build a new fall pipe vessel dedicated for oil and gas projects.
Boskalis did not advise on the contract value of the vessel but said it will be ready for work in late 2011.
The 159-metre long vessel will have a flexible fall pipe with a remotely operated vehicle at the lower end for better positioning.
The newbuild will be Boskalis third fall pipe vessel after Seahorse and Sandpiper. Seahorse can be fitted with an A-frame located on the stern and an ROV-steered clamshell grab, making it possible to dredge down to depths of 1000 metres.
Fall pipe vessels are designed to place rocks in deeper waters with great precision.
Rocks are lowered through the fall pipe at a controlled rate, while the vessel moves along its track under dynamic control. The ROV is controlled from the ship, and can be precisely positioned above the job.