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Displaying items by tag: Cablelaying vessels

#PORTS & SHIPPING – One of the world's largest and most advanced ultra deepwater installation and cable laying construction vessels, the AMC Connector arrived into Dublin Bay this morning, having picked-up a pilot offshore of the Baily Lighthouse, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The Norwegian flagged 19,000 tonnes vessel which was only launched last year is capable of operating in waters beyond 3,000m. She is fitted with Dynamic Positioning (DP3) technology, which allows the vessel to maintain a precise and constant position using satellite technology while operating in harsh weather conditions.

AMC Connector is able to install power cables and umbilicals using its two heave-compensated offshore cranes and a VLS system with pay-load capacity of 9,000 tonnes. There are two carousel turntables for the cables, one capable of handling 6,000mt above deck and the second of 3,000mt capacity is sited below deck. There are two remotely operated vehicles (ROV) and a single centred moonpool in addition to two sliding to the port side.

The 156m ship has accommodation for up to 140 personnel plus a hospital. In front of the bridge and directly above the bow is a heli-deck which is designed for Sikorsky S-92 type helicopters. This is the same type of helicopter that was recently introduced as the new SAR helicopter for the Irish Coast Guard (ICG).

The red-hulled vessel is part of a modern fleet operated by the EMAS AMC, which is an Olso based offshore contractor offering subsea construction, installation, maintenance, repair and decommissioning services. They specialise in complex projects in any environment throughout the world.

Published in Ports & Shipping

As an island economy, a healthy maritime sector is key to our national competitiveness. Virtually all our imports and exports pass through Irish ports.

Ireland is dependent on ports and shipping services to transport goods and 90% of our trade is moved though Irish ports. Shipping and maritime transport services make a significant contribution to Ireland’s ocean economy, with the sector generating €2.3 billion in turnover and employing over 5,000 people in 2018.

Ireland’s maritime industry continues to grow and progress each year with Irish ports and shipping companies making significant investments. The ports sector in Ireland is currently undergoing a number of expansions and developments with Dublin Port’s Alexandra Basin development, the development of Ringaskiddy in Cork by Port of Cork and the development of Shannon Foynes Port. Along with these major investments, shipping companies are also investing heavily in new tonnage, with Irish Ferries, CLdN and Stena leading new build programmes.

These pages cover the following sectoral areas: shipowners, harbour authorities, shipbrokers, freight forwarders and contractors, cruise liner operators, port users, seamen, merchants, academic institutions, shipyards and repair facilities, naval architects, navy and defence personnel.

Our pages are covering some of the most notable arrivals around our coast and reporting too on port development and shipping news.

This section of the site deals with Port and Shipping News on our largest ports Dublin Port, Port of Cork, the Shannon Estuary, Galway Harbour and Belfast Lough.

A recent study carried out for the Irish Ports Association (IPA) totalled 75.7 billion during 2004 and their net economic impact was some 5.5 billion supporting around 57, 500 full time employees.

Liam Lacey, Director of the Marine Institute’s Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO) said, “The Irish maritime industry can look to the future with confidence. It has shown itself to be resilient and agile in responding to challenges. Over the past decade, it has had to respond to the challenges of the financial crisis of 2008, the uncertainty surrounding Brexit and recent challenges. Ireland’s maritime sector has continued to underpin our economy by maintaining vital shipping links for both trade and tourism.”