Multi-discipline maintenance programme at BLRT Repair Yards prepares Jan De Nul’s DP3 cable-laying vessel CONNECTOR for her next offshore assignments
BLRT Repair Yards Klaipėda, part of BLRT Grupp, has completed an extensive multi-discipline maintenance programme on CONNECTOR, one of Jan De Nul Group’s specialised DP3 cable-laying vessels.
Carried out as part of her third Special Survey, the project covered systems essential to the vessel’s propulsion, manoeuvrability, station-keeping and offshore operations.
CONNECTOR is designed for demanding subsea cable installation and offshore energy projects. Equipped with two cable carousels and two work-class ROVs, the vessel combines significant cable-carrying capacity with DP3 station-keeping capability and specialised offshore equipment.
Her project record includes cable installation works for Thor Offshore Wind Farm in Denmark, the interconnector between mainland Scotland and Hoy, and offshore works in Abu Dhabi, alongside experience on major international offshore energy projects.
For vessels operating in this environment, technical reliability and availability are critical. The maintenance programme in Klaipėda was therefore focused on preparing CONNECTOR’s key systems for the offshore assignments ahead.
The main scope included overhaul of the vessel’s propulsion and thruster systems, service and overhaul of three main engines, chemical cleaning, grit blasting and coating of 35 box coolers, piping works, and maintenance of the 400-tonne and 50-tonne offshore cranes.
The underwater hull underwent a comprehensive coating programme featuring a silicone-based system, while accommodation outfitting and additional class-related works were completed during the vessel’s stay.
Multiple technical disciplines worked in parallel throughout the project, with heavy components dismantled, inspected, serviced and reinstated while Special Survey requirements were integrated into the overall production schedule.
