Helix Robotics snags charter extensions for Volstad vessels

Aug. 23, 2022
Under the extensions, Volstad has committed to upgrade both vessels with a new battery hybrid in an effort to reduce fuel consumption and emissions and to improve the environmental footprint of vessel operations.

Offshore staff

HOUSTON  Helix Robotics Solutions, the UK Robotics division of Helix Energy Solutions Group, and Volstad Maritime have announced five-year charter extensions for both the Grand Canyon II and Grand Canyon III construction support vessels to continue working on projects across multiple energy sectors. 

The Grand Canyon II and Grand Canyon III have been under long-term charter with Helix since 2015 and 2016, respectively. The extended charter for the Grand Canyon II runs from January 2023 through the end of 2027, while the extended charter for the Grand Canyon III runs from May 2023 through May 2028, with a further option to extend. 

Under the extensions, Volstad has committed to upgrade both vessels with a new battery hybrid in an effort to reduce fuel consumption and emissions and to improve the environmental footprint of vessel operations.

The vessels are designed for operation under severe weather conditions with high manoeuvrability and superior station keeping capabilities, which enable them to work efficiently and reliably with results consistently reducing downtime during critical operations, the companies said. 

Each vessel is equipped with a 250 MT AHC subsea crane, moonpool, integrated ROV deck space and removable bulwarks. With clear deck areas up to 1,650 sq m each, the vessels are well suited for subsea construction, inspection, repair and maintenance, and offshore renewables activities. 

In addition, two 3,000-m rated 250-hp UHD ROVs are mobilized onboard the Grand Canyon II, while two 3,000-m rated 200-hp UHD ROVs together with the T1500 jet trenching system and iTrencher are mobilized onboard the Grand Canyon III.

08.23.2022