Gibdock Completes Repair and Renewal of TechnipFMC’s Deep Blue Vessel

Gibraltar-based ship repair and conversion yard, Gibdock, has recently finished the repair and renewal of TechnipFMC’s Deep Blue, a cutting-edge deepwater pipelay and subsea construction vessel. The vessel was relocated from the U.S. Gulf for the works, with plans to redeploy it outside Europe after completion.

Deep Blue is renowned for its role in ultra-deepwater field developments, equipped with reel-lay, J-lay, and flexi-lay technologies. With twin 2,800 MT capacity reels, the vessel can lay pipes and cables at depths of up to 3,000 meters (9,842 feet).

During the scheduled drydocking at Gibdock, extensive steel and piping renewal works were undertaken, along with hull and tank surface blasting and recoating. Machinery overhauls were also carried out to ensure Deep Blue remains in optimal condition for the next five years.

One of the key aspects of the project was raising Deep Blue by 3.7 meters to rest on 428 blocks in Dock No. 1. This elevation was necessary to facilitate the removal and overhaul of the vessel’s eight thrusters.

John Taylor, Managing Director of Gibdock, expressed pride in welcoming Deep Blue and collaborating once again with Technip on such a significant project. He highlighted the expertise and dedication of Gibdock’s team in delivering high-quality maintenance and repair services that meet the technical demands of complex offshore vessels while upholding the highest standards of safety and operational excellence.

With the successful completion of the repair and renewal works on Deep Blue, Gibdock has once again demonstrated its capability to handle intricate projects in the maritime industry, solidifying its reputation as a reliable and efficient shipyard.