TECHNIP NPV CONTRACT
MAJOR COUP FOR IHC ENGINEERING BUSINESS

13th March 2008

A major contract to provide a fully integrated pipelay system for Technip's newbuild 194m pipelay vessel (NPV) has been awarded to IHC Engineering Business (EB).

"This multi-million pound contract is amongst our most extensive ever and is a huge boost for the EB team and our supply chain in North East England," explains managing director, Dr Tony Trapp. "From design, incorporation of Technip equipment, through build, installation on the NPV, commissioning and sea trials we are providing an integrated solution. EB will develop the Technip concept to provide an innovative pipelay system which, married with other vessel characteristics, will give Technip a competitive advantage. We are looking forward to delivering the system in 2010."

"In recent years we have built a number of large component pieces of equipment for pipelay vessels; now, bringing all our expertise together for this integrated solution marks the next stage in EB development. We are working very closely with the engineering team from Technip on this bespoke system and this is exactly the sort of stimulating customer relationship on which we thrive."

The vessel will be built by STX Heavy Industries (Korea) and will transit to Tyneside, England to be fitted with the specialist pipelay equipment. The vessel is designed to carry 5600 tonnes of reeled pipe and to lay it in 3000m water depth, with 450 tonnes top tension.

"This is an important project for one of the world's largest offshore contractors," says Tony Trapp. "It will mean a further increase in the size of the EB team and will enable us to show the strength of our OSBIT - on spec, budget and in time - ethos."

IHC Engineering Business has an order book with a value in excess of £60 million to be delivered over the course of the next three years and in 2007 was recognised as the fastest growing company in the North East. It currently employs 150 people (predominantly professional engineers) and this contract will drive continued expansion.

"This exciting new project fits well with our plans to significantly grow the business over the next three years, providing turnkey solutions to the major offshore contractors," adds Tony Trapp.

Further information on EB is available at www.engb.com and from Toby Bailey. Tel: +44 (0)1434 682 800; Fax: +44 (0)1434 682 801; Email: toby.bailey@engb.com

 

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