A MAJOR contract to provide a fully-integrated pipelay system for Technip's newbuild 194-m pipelay vessel has been awarded to UK-based IHC's engineering business. "This multi-million pound contract is amongst our most extensive ever, and is a huge boost for the team and our supply chain in NE England," managing director Dr Tony Trapp said. "From design, incorporation of Technip equipment, through build, installation on the vessel, commissioning, and sea trials, we are providing an integrated solution. IHC will develop the Technip concept to provide an innovative pipelay system which, married with other vessel characteristics, will give Technip a competitive advantage. We are looking forward to delivering the system in 2010. "In recent years we have built a number of large component pieces of equipment for pipelay vessels; now, bringing all our expertise together for this integrated solution marks the next stage in EB development. We are working very closely with the engineering team from Technip on this bespoke system and this is exactly the sort of stimulating customer relationship on which we thrive." The vessel will be built by STX Heavy Industries in Korea, and will transit to Tyneside, UK, to be fitted with the specialist pipelay equipment. The vessel is designed to carry 5600 tons of reeled pipe and to lay it in 3000m water depth, with 450 tons top tension.