Harkand Launches ROV Support Vessel in Singapore

The newest ROV support vessel to service Asia Pacific’s oil and gas industry has been launched in Singapore.

Around 100 invited guests from across the global energy sector attended the christening ceremony of the Harkand Harmony at Keppel Marina. Sophie Mottais-Trouve, the wife of Harkand’s Vice President of Commercial and Strategy Olivier Trouve, opened the festivities by officially naming the 65m vessel.

The Harmony’s christening follows two major milestones for the group, Harkand said. She has been secured on a three-year hire purchase that will see Harkand extend its inspection, repair and maintenance (IRM) services in the growing Asia Pacific region.

The vessel, built by ASL Marine Holdings at Batam near Singapore, will be fitted with one Comanche WROV and a complete survey spread. Able to accommodate 60 crew, it boasts a 580m² main deck, a Kongsberg DP2 system, 20t man-riding knuckle boom crane and a 4.5m moon pool.

The Harmony’s addition to the Harkand fleet, along with two new Triton XLX ROV’s which will be delivered in August, marks an important step forward in the company’s Asia Pacific development plan.

Formed in February 2013 through the merger of Iremis, Integrated Subsea Services (ISS) and Andrews Survey following investment by Oaktree Capital Management, it employs 750 people at bases in Singapore and Perth in APAC, Dubai in the Middle East and Aberdeen in the UK, Harkand aims to grow turnover to $1 billion in the next five years.

The group recently announced the acquisition of Veolia Marine Services based in Houston, which will further expand the group geographical reach, asset base and staff. This transaction is still subject to certain conditions and is expected to close in July 2013.