May 17 - China Offshore Oil Engineering Co. Ltd, (COOEC), the largest offshore engineering company in China for integrated services and a subsidiary of China National Offshore Oil Company (CNOOC), has awarded Converteam a contract valued in excess of GBP6

The 50,000 dwt semi-submersible self-propelled heavy lift vessel (SSHLV 50000DWT) is under construction at the Youlian shipyard in Shenzhen, in China's Guangdong province. It is due for completion in 2012.

The 219 m vessel features an open deck area of over 7,500 sq m. It requires pinpoint positioning and manoeuvering as the vessel operates within the jacket itself.

The diesel electric propulsion package of the vessel will consist of two main propellers and five manoeuvering thrusters powered by Converteam's electrical systems. Converteam will also deliver control systems based on its C-Series range. It will include a DP2 dynamic position control system as well as an integrated vessel control and monitoring system.