AUGUST 2, 2013—The Harkand Group recently christened its newest ROV offshore support vessel, the Harkand Harmony, at a christening ceremony in a Singapore.
 
Sophie Mottais-Trouve, the wife of Harkand’s Vice President of Commercial and Strategy Olivier Trouve, opened the festivities by officially naming the 65 meter-long vessel.
 
The Harkand Harmony’s christening follows two major milestones for the group. The vessel has been secured on a three-year hire purchase that will see Harkand extend its inspection, repair and maintenance (IRM) services in the growing Asia Pacific region.
 
Built by ASL Marine Holdings at Batam near Singapore, the Harkand Harmony will be fitted with one Comanche WROV and a complete survey spread. Able to accommodate 60 crew, it boasts a 580m” main deck, a Kongsberg DP2 system, 20t man-riding knuckle boom crane and a 4.5m moon pool.
 
The Harmony’s addition to the Harkand fleet, along with two new Triton XLX ROV’s which will be delivered in August, marks an important step forward in the company’s Asia Pacific development plan.
 
Frederic Fumey, managing director for Harkand Africa and APAC, said: “The investment we are making in our business both in terms of our people and our assets underlines our commitment to the Asia Pacific energy industry and our continued desire to create a modern, safe and efficient fleet that meets the expectations of our customers.”
 
Martin Watts, General Manager for Harkand Asia Pacific added: “The addition of this purpose-built vessel to our fleet is a momentous day for Harkand and marks the start of a new chapter for our operations in the region. I’m delighted that so many of our customers have shared the day with us and look forward to the Harmony becoming an integral part of the industry in the coming months.”
 
Harkand aims to become a leading global name in subsea inspection, repair and maintenance focused on attaining the highest standards in health, safety, quality and environmental performance along with first class project execution.
 
Formed in February 2013 through the merger of Iremis, Integrated Subsea Services (ISS) and Andrews Survey following investment by Oaktree Capital Management, it employs 750 people at bases in Singapore and Perth in APAC, Dubai in the Middle East and Aberdeen in the UK, Harkand aims to grow turnover to $1 billion in the next five years.
 
The group recently announced the acquisition of Veolia Marine Services based in Houston, TX, which will further expand the group geographical reach, asset base and staff. This transaction is still subject to certain conditions and is expected to close shortly.