Having put pen to paper on an LOI in March, Sembcorp Marine has confirmed the US$1bn contract with Heerema Offshore Services to build a DP3 semisubmersible crane vessel at Jurong shipyard.

The "world's biggest" semi-submersible crane vessel, designed by Netherlands-based Huisman Equipment, is slated for delivery in the last quarter of 2018.

Jan Pieter Klaver, CEO of Heerema Marine Contractors, said, "We strongly believe in the successful cooperation between Sembcorp Marine and Heerema to build the world's largest semi-submersible crane vessel. The new vessel's two Tub Mounted Cranes and dual fuel engines will enable Heerema Marine Contractors to offer unparalleled installation and decommissioning services. This will meet our longterm strategy of delivering the best possible services to the global offshore oil and gas industry."

Heerema Marine Contractors, part of the Netherlands-based Heerema Group, currently already owns four of the world's largest crane vessels, plus a fleet of anchor handling tugs and modern transportation barges including the world's largest barge, H-851.