Two of Volstad Maritime’s construction support vessels (CSVs) will be retrofit with batteries, following five-year extensions for both vessels by Helix Robotics Solutions
Under the extensions, diesel-electric CSVs Grand Canyon IIandGrand Canyon III will continue working on projects across multiple energy sectors. The battery retrofits are being made to cut fuel consumption and reduce emissions.
Grand Canyon IIandGrand Canyon IIIhave been under long-term charter with Helix Robotics, part of Helix Energy, since 2015 and 2016, respectively. The extended charter forGrand Canyon IIruns from January 2023 through the end of 2027, while the extended charter for theGrand Canyon IIIruns from May 2023 through May 2028, with a further option to extend.
Helix executive vice president and chief operating officer Scotty Sparks said, “Helix is a global leader in subsea robotics and trenching, and we continue to expand our specialty services to support offshore windfarm developments during their preconstruction, construction and operations phases. We are pleased to extend the charter agreements with Volstad for the Grand Canyon-class vessels as we are committed to supporting a responsible energy transition, increasing offshore renewables activity and promoting reduced emissions technology”.
The 127-m, DP3-class vessels are designed for operation under severe weather conditions with high manoeuvrability and superior station keeping capabilities, which enable them to work efficiently and reliably with results consistently reducing downtime during critical operations.
Each vessel is equipped with a 250-tonne active heave compensated subsea crane, moonpool, integrated remotely operated vehicle (ROV) deck space and removable bulwarks. With clear deck areas up to 1,650 m2 each, the vessels are well suited for subsea construction, inspection, repair and maintenance and offshore renewables activities.
In addition, two 3,000-m rated 250-hp UHD ROVs are mobilised on board Grand Canyon II, while two 3,000-m rated 200-hp UHD ROVs, together with the T1500 jet trenching system and iTrencher, are mobilised on board Grand Canyon III.
