Equipment » Solitaire

Solitaire, the largest pipelay vessel in the world

Solitaire, the largest pipelay vessel in the world, has set new standards in the pipelay industry. Based on the same principles as Lorelay, her ship-shape provides excellent workability. She has a pipe carrying capacity of 22000 t, making her less dependent on offshore pipe supply in hostile areas. Precise manoeuvring on full dynamic positioning allows the vessel to work safely in congested areas. Her high cruising speed and lay speed make her very competitive worldwide.

The vessel has been operational since 1998 and has since steadily improved her performance. A lay speed of over 9 km a day has been achieved, operating the in-house developed Phoenix  automatic welding system.

She has laid numerous deepwater pipelines and holds a deepwater pipelay record in 2775 m (9100’). Her S-lay capacity was increased in 2005 to a holding force of 1050 t, enabling her to lay the heaviest pipelines.

  • Length overall excluding stinger 
    300 m (984 ft)
  • Transit speed 
    13 knots
  • Accommodation 
    420 men
  • Dynamic Positioning system 
    NMD Class 3 / LR DP (AAA), type Simrad Kongsberg 2 x ADP702 & 1 X ADP701
  • Cranes 
    Two pipe transfer cranes of 35 t (77 kips) at 33 m (108 ft), whip hoist 18 t (40 kips) at 42 m (138 ft); one special purpose crane, main hoist 300 t (661 kips) at 17 m (56 ft), whip hoist 40 t (88 kips) at 57 m (187 ft)
  • Working stations 
    2 double-jointing plants, 5 welding stations for double joints, 1 NDT station, 4 coating stations
  • Tensioner capacity 
    3 x 350 t (772 kips) at 30 m/min (98 ft/min)
  • Pipe diameters 
    From 2" to 60" O.D.

Solitaire modifications 2005