Aqualis Bags Mekers' Contract to Supervise Liftboat Construction in China

Norway's Aqualis ASA reported that its unit Aqualis Offshore has been contracted by Mekers Offshore Ltd. to supervise the construction of the Zhejiang-based company's two new liftboats. Contract value is undisclosed.

Mekers Offshore's two liftboats will be built by Dajin Heavy Industries in China. Aqualis Offshore will operate as Mekers Offshore's on-site team to monitor and supervise the construction of the two liftboats, to ensure that all work is carried out in accordance with the contract, its specifications, the client's expectations, flag and class requirements.

Aqualis Offshore's Shanghai office will manage the project. Duration of the project is 18 months. Start on site is expected in September.

"This is a significant project for Aqualis Offshore. I am delighted that Mekers Offshore has put their trust in us. Our team's construction supervision experience is second to none, and that has helped us secure these important liftboat projects," says Phil Lenox, director - Asia Pacific, Aqualis Offshore.

A liftboat is a self-propelled, self-elevating vessel with a large open deck capable of carrying equipment and supplies in support of various offshore exploration and production activities. A liftboat can rapidly raise its hull clear of the water to provide a stable platform from which offshore maintenance and construction work can be conducted.

Aqualis Offshore is a specialized marine and offshore engineering consultancy focusing on the shallow and deepwater offshore segments of the oil and gas sector. Its core services include concept, front end engineering and design (FEED) and basic design engineering for upgrades and conversions of jackups, floating production, storage and offloading (FPSOs) and rigs, transportation and installation, marine warranty, dynamic positioning, construction supervision and due diligence services. The company also offers rig moving services.