The Helix Q7000, a purpose-built DP3 semi-submersible vessel owned by U.S.-based offshore energy services provider Helix Energy Solutions, has docked at Namibia’s Port of Walvis Bay as part of preparations for its upcoming decommissioning project in Brazil.
The vessel arrived on December 16, 2024, and will remain at the port for about ten days, during which it will undergo essential preparations, including the removal of marine growth from its pontoons. These operations are in preparation for the vessel’s next decommissioning campaign in Brazil’s Campos Basin.
“The oil rig Q7000 arrived at the Port of Walvis Bay on December 16, 2024, and is currently docked at Berth 8. This visit marks a key stop for the rig as it undergoes hull cleaning operations. After its journey from Australia, the Q7000 is now en route to Brazil, where it is set to participate in a significant drilling campaign,” the Namibian Ports Authority said.
Helix Energy Solutions secured a 12-month contract in October 2022 to provide deepwater well decommissioning services for Shell in Brazil.
The work involves plug and abandonment services for subsea wells at the Bijupira and Salema fields in the Campos Basin. The agreement includes extension options, with the vessel expected to remain under contract into 2026, potentially at improved rates.
The Helix Q7000, capable of accommodating 140 personnel, boasts a variable deck load capacity of approximately 3,000 metric tons. The vessel is equipped for well intervention and the handling of service fluids, making it a valuable asset for Shell’s decommissioning operations.
This stop in Namibia underscores Walvis Bay’s growing importance as a regional hub for maritime and offshore operations, positioning the port as a key logistical stop for global energy projects.
