Damen to Refit Helix Well Intervention Vessel

After having docked and repaired the MSV Seawell in 2012 and DSV Well Enhancer earlier this year, Damen Shiprepair Vlissingen (DSV) was contracted by Helix UK to perform a major upgrade on the light well intervention/dive support vessel MSV Seawell. The Seawell is expected to arrive at the yard during second half of December 2014. 

As the upgrade will be executed over the winter season, DSV has offered its covered drydock with a 300 tons overhead crane.

The upgrade includes an exchange of all six gensets including new foundations, overhaul of all thrusters and azimuths, replacement of two cherry pickers and the existing twin slewing cranes by a new single boom 50T crane with active heave compensation. All switchboards will be renewed and the accommodation will be dealt with thoroughly. One of the long leading items is the demolishing of the existing derrick and installment of a new derrick with all associated equipment. 

Next to the installation of the derrick lots of adjustments will be made on the functioning and operation of the moon pool doors, winches and other equipment. The statutory docking will also commence during this refit period. 

Jeroen Heesters, Managing Director of DSV, noted that the award for this refit comes after two years of work with the Helix project team: “The successful completion of the Rowan Viking upgrade earlier this year gave a significant step upwards in DSV’s project organization and will contribute to the successful completion of the Seawell upgrade.”