The JSD 6000 is a multi-purpose dynamic positioning 3 pipelay vessel, developed by Ulstein Design & Solutions, a shipbuilding company.
The customised version of the SOC 5000 heavy lift vessel has been adapted to fulfil the specific operational requirements of Saipem, an Italian multinational oilfield services company and the operator of the vessel.
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The complete hull of the vessel was assembled by Ulstein at the ZPMC yard in China in October 2020.
Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries (ZPMC) owns the vessel, which was launched at their Qidong shipyard in December 2020.
The ZPMC shipyard accomplished the impressive feat of joining a 13,000 tonnes tera block by utilising the renowned tera block method. The tera block spanned 107.5 metres from the aft to the forward part of the vessel.
By May 2023, the JSD 6000 had successfully concluded its sea trials and was undergoing tests on its mission-specific and pipelay equipment.
The JSD 6000 derrick lay vessel was officially handed over to Saipem at the Shanghai ZPMC shipyard in May 2024.
JSD 6000 design and features
The ship measures 215.08m in length, has a beam of 49m and a maximum draught of 10.83m. It can accommodate up to 399 individuals and reach a top speed of 11.80 knots.
In terms of equipment, the ship has a revolving main crane capable of hoisting 5,200t. Additional crane support includes two 50t knuckle booms, a 35t knuckle boom and a 25t telescopic boom, all with active heave compensation. The crane supports can operate at depths down to 2,200m.
The ship’s firing line is designed for dual quad-joint prefabrication and comes fully outfitted with the latest automatic welding systems from Saipem.
With a power generation capacity of 55.7MW and an eight-point mooring system, the ship is well-prepared for a variety of operations. Additionally, it is equipped with a helipad for aerial access.
J-lay tower and S-lay system
The vessel is distinguished by its dual-lay system. The dual-lay system comprises a 600t Remacut S-lay system positioned along the centreline beneath the main deck and a 2,000t IHC EB J-lay system installed through a moonpool.
This configuration enables the vessel to cater to both deepwater and subsea umbilicals, risers, and flowlines sectors. The configuration also allows shallow-water engineering, procurement, construction and installation projects.
The J-lay tower’s hang-off clamp has a nominal holding capacity of 1,500t, which can increase to 2,000t under accidental flooding scenarios. The travelling clamp can sustain a standard load of 1,500t, with the ability to withstand up to 1,800t in similar accidental conditions.
For pipeline abandonment tasks, two 600t abandonment and recovery (A/R) winches can be utilised in tandem to achieve a combined lowering capacity of 1,200t. These winches are also engineered for S-Lay A/R operations and can handle deep-water modules, accommodating pipe diameters ranging from five to 36 inches.
The S-lay system is equipped with two tensioners, each with a maximum nominal tension of 175t and a peak-hold tension of 225t. The system’s maximum nominal laying capacity is 700t, and it is designed to lay pipes from five to 60 inches in diameter (inclusive of coating). This is facilitated by a modular stinger that can be adjusted from 94m to 190m, managed by an innovative, patented stinger handling system.
Deck details
Ulstein Design & Solutions’ ship designs are characterised by a unique double-deck configuration. It facilitates a spacious, uninterrupted deck area and permits the fabrication of pipes below the deck.
The vessel has an expansive 2,100m² (22,604ft²) deck designed for storing equipment, with a load-bearing capacity of 15t/m².
On the starboard side, the deck features an overboarding platform equipped with two sheaves, enabling the execution of deep-water lowering operations.
The deck is designed to support chain-laying apparatus and offers the flexibility for the installation of a removable carousel or a substantial reel handling system. Additionally, there is a provision for fitting out the deck with umbilical and flexible pipe-laying equipment.
Engine and propulsion
The ship is outfitted with a robust power generation system, comprising six main diesel generators, each with a 9,300-kilowatt (kW) output. In the event of an emergency, an auxiliary generator is on hand to provide an additional 1,550kW of power.
For propulsion, the vessel is equipped with two 6,500kW aft azimuth thrusters and six 3,800kW retractable azimuth thrusters. These thrusters enhance thrust and manoeuvrability. Furthermore, two 2,500kW tunnel thrusters are installed to provide superior control during vessel operations.
Contractors involved
National Oilwell Varco, a provider of equipment and products for oil and gas drilling rigs, supplied the project with a rotating main crane.
