TechnipFMC and DOF Subsea (DOF) announce that the Skandi Búzios, a pipelay support vessel (PLSV) owned by the joint venture formed between TechnipFMC (50%) and DOF (50%), commenced its 8-year charter contract with Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. (Petrobras), as scheduled on April 13th, 2017.

Skandi Búzios is the sistership of the Skandi Açu, which started its charter contract on August 13th, 2016. These two vessels have the most important flexible pipelay tension capacity in the world (650 tons), enabling the installation of large diameter flexible pipes in the ultra-deepwater Brazilian pre-salt area.

Under the joint venture agreement, TechnipFMC is responsible for the engineering and management of the flexible pipelay, while Norskan S.A., a DOF ASA subsidiary, is responsible for the marine operations.

Hallvard Hasselknippe, TechnipFMC’s President of Subsea Projects, stated: "We are confident that these new state-of-the-art PLSVs, together with the expertise of our people will be key for Petrobras to successfully achieve its projects offshore Brazil."

Mons S. Aase, DOF Subsea's Chief Executive Officer, added: "This milestone project is the result of our long-term focus on the Brazilian market. We are proud of this significant addition to our Brazilian fleet."