Morrison doubles pipelay barge fleet

Chet Morrison Contractors, an energy service company, has acquired two pipelay/construction barges and a saturation diving system, effectively doubling the size of its pipelay barge fleet and increasing its saturation diving capabilities.

Morrison said on Wednesday that it had acquired LB Super Chief, a 265 ft x 72 ft ABS-classed pipelay barge with accommodations for 93 personnel. It is outfitted with a 100 KIP pipe tensioner, is U.S. flagged and provides extended capabilities for pipe size and water depth lay and recovery.

The company also acquired DLB Subsea Vision, a 415 ft x 100 ft ABS-classed pipelay and construction barge with accommodations for up to 140 personnel. It is outfitted with a PDI Large Diameter Pipelay System with a 100 KIP pipe tensioner, a Seatrax 300-ton crane and a moonpool.

In addition, the company bought a saturation diving system, a 12-man ABS-classed portable IMCA compliant diving system capable of diving to depths up to 1,000 ft.

Morrison noted that the acquisition complements its existing fleet of pipelay barges consisting of the CM-15, CM-9 and Morrison’s two six-man saturation diving systems, a portable system and one installed on the DSV Joanne Morrison, a 240 ft saturation diving vessel and the largest of its class in the Gulf of Mexico with a 70-ton subsea crane.

The DSV Joanne Morrison recently completed a major dry dock with upgrades to the vessel and diving systems.

Chet Morrison, Chief Executive Officer, said, “We are excited about this strategic acquisition as it will significantly enhance our capabilities for greater pipe size and water depth operations; globally broaden our service offerings to our clients; and offer employment opportunities for many mariners, divers and other craftsmen.”