Damen Shipyards Mangalia Signs Ship Repair Deal, Delivers for Neptun Deep Project

Damen Shipyards Mangalia announced the signing of a new ship repair contract for the crude oil tanker “M/T Nusa Merdeka,” along with the successful delivery of the first two Conductor Anchor Node (CAN) structures for the Neptun Deep project in the Black Sea. These developments come shortly after the yard secured two additional repair contracts for the “M/T Tahiti” and “M/T Hadal Sally.” These achievements are especially noteworthy given that the shipyard is currently undergoing a restructuring process under insolvency, marking a significant step towards expanding its operations.

“The signing of these new contracts is crucial for ensuring operational continuity and sends a strong message to the global market that Damen Shipyards Mangalia maintains its reputation for excellence in ship repair. Managing three ships simultaneously in our facilities showcases our team’s ability to handle large-scale projects efficiently, meeting the highest quality standards and adhering to strict deadlines. Furthermore, we are continuing discussions for major contracts that could ensure the long-term financial stability of the yard,” stated Sofien Lamiri, General Director of Damen Shipyards Mangalia.

The crude oil tanker “M/T Nusa Merdeka,” registered in Indonesia and built in 2003, arrived at the shipyard on October 2, 2024. The project involves replacing steel in the hull.

“We are proud to be part of Romania’s largest offshore gas extraction project in the Black Sea. The successful delivery of these CAN structures represents a major milestone for DSMa in producing submersible steel structures for the offshore industry, a market we aim to further tap into. The shipyard has the ability to quickly adapt to market dynamics and attract new orders even in a challenging economic context,” added Sofien Lamiri.

The two CAN (Conductor Anchor Nodes) structures are part of a contract to build four such units designed to guide the subsea drilling head. These structures, essential for revolutionary well foundations, are destined for the Neptun Deep project in the Black Sea and were contracted by the Norwegian company NeoDrill, which specializes in building dedicated foundations for drilling wells, installed directly on designated locations. The construction began in December of last year, with the final two structures set to be delivered to the client by the end of October.

Each CAN structure weighs approximately 91 tons, stands 10 meters tall and has a diameter of 6 meters. Their installation is carried out underwater by a dynamically positioned vessel equipped with a crane with a lifting capacity of over 150 tons, two remotely operated vehicles (ROV), and topographic survey services.

CAN technology, which replaces conventional conductors used in drilling activities, is not only environmentally friendly but also cost-efficient for well exploration and development, significantly reducing the risks associated with conventional installations.