Pipelay Vessel Joins Helix ESG Fleet
Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. new deepwater pipelay vessel, Caesar, departed the shipyard in China on November 28, and is transiting to the Gulf of Mexico where she will join the company’s subsea construction fleet. Caesar is a dynamically positioned (DP2) pipelay vessel capable of laying large diameter concrete coated pipelines in shallow water, and up to 24-inch diameter pipelines in deep waters. Caesar’s onboard pipeline manufacturing capability facilitates pipelay operations without dedicated onshore infrastructure, making her a cost-effective option in remote areas versus reeled pipelay vessels. In addition, her 300 metric ton crane and 450 metric ton A-frame are well suited for deepwater installation of inline manifolds and terminals. “The S-lay Caesar will increase the options available to operators who are planning major deepwater subsea construction projects,” said Helix ESG’s Chief Operating Officer Bart Heijermans. “We are very pleased with the performance of the vessel and believe she will be an attractive choice for our customers because of her unique capabilities and competitive cost structure.” Caesar is due to complete transit in January 2010, joining the Intrepid and Express reeled pipelay vessels in Helix’s fleet.