'The Normand Cutter won't be out of work in the near future', he said. After conversion which Solstad said earlier was costing about $25m, she is now equipped to cover two market segments, pipe-laying and hoisting.

A 300 ton crane has been installed with a hoisting capacity to a depth of 2500 metres, and equipment for laying control cables and flexible pipes. In addition she can also handle the operation of several ROVs.

Ulstein Verft MD Tore Ulstein said earlier the complex conversion involved more work than 'with the largest of our ongoing newbuilds'.

The project included widening Normand Cutter's beam from 23.4 to 27m and mounting sponsons as well as the 300 ton crane. A moon-pool and a carousel for flexi-lay operations were fitted and accommodation for 70 has been enlarged to cope with 114 personnel.

Steel work was divided between partner yard, Maritime Ltd in Poland, and Ulstein's Vanylven and Ulsteinvik facilities.

About 1400 tons of new steel were installed, mainly in the new side sections, in the large foundation of the new crane and in a new ROV/accommodation module. The hangar was being removed and new equipment installed for pipe-laying.

Because of the moon-pool and new stabilising tank, both the main deck and the ship in general required 'considerable reinforcement in order to maintain longitudinal strength', Ulstein Verft said.