AMC Voyager Q1|2026
Champion vessel joins AMC operations as a key offshore asset
Algihaz Marine Contractors (AMC) has taken an important step in its development as a marine contractor with the addition of the Champion, a rigid pipelay and heavy-lift vessel that now operates under its management.
Following the Algihaz Group’s acquisition in early 2025, the vessel was successfully integrated into AMC’s operations in November 2025. The Champion represents the company’s first owned offshore vessel. While AMC regularly deploys chartered vessels across its offshore campaigns, the addition of a dedicated asset strengthens the company’s ability to support complex offshore installation work and provides greater operational flexibility as the business continues to grow.
Previously operated by Subsea 7 under the name Seven Champion, the vessel has a strong track record supporting offshore field development projects. Its integration into AMC’s operations marks an important milestone as the company continues to build its execution capability across the Middle East and beyond.
Champion vessel joins AMC operations as a key offshore asset
Algihaz Marine Contractors (AMC) has taken an important step in its development as a marine contractor with the addition of the Champion, a rigid pipelay and heavy-lift vessel that now operates under its management.
Following the Algihaz Group’s acquisition in early 2025, the vessel was successfully integrated into AMC’s operations in November 2025. The Champion represents the company’s first owned offshore vessel. While AMC regularly deploys chartered vessels across its offshore campaigns, the addition of a dedicated asset strengthens the company’s ability to support complex offshore installation work and provides greater operational flexibility as the business continues to grow.
Previously operated by Subsea 7 under the name Seven Champion, the vessel has a strong track record supporting offshore field development projects. Its integration into AMC’s operations marks an important milestone as the company continues to build its execution capability across the Middle East and beyond.
The Champion vessel at a glance
The Champion is a rigid pipelay and heavy lift vessel designed to support offshore field development and subsea infrastructure projects.
Built by Nanindah Mutiara Shipyard in Indonesia, the vessel measures 142 metres in length and accommodates up to 350 personnel. It combines pipelay capability with heavy lift functionality, enabling it to support a wide range of offshore installation activities. The vessel is equipped with an s-lay pipelay system capable of operating in water depths of up to 300 metres, a 2,200-tonne offshore crane, advanced pipe-handling and tensioning systems, and a DP2 dynamic positioning system to ensure stability during offshore operations. Additionally, the vessel can operate on anchor via an 8-point mooring system to support shallow operations.
These capabilities allow the vessel to support pipeline installation, subsea infrastructure work and other offshore construction activities in challenging offshore environments.
A carefully managed operational transition
Following the acquisition of the vessel, AMC undertook a structured transition process to assume full operational responsibility for the Champion.
This included completing an extensive technical due diligence process and implementing AMC’s operational framework across the vessel. Key steps included securing the company’s Document of Compliance, conducting full ISM, ISPS and MLC audits and certifications, and integrating AMC’s Safety Management System across onboard operations.
The vessel has also been incorporated into AMC’s planned maintenance system, ensuring that all equipment and operational processes are maintained in line with the company’s standards and international maritime regulations.
Together, these steps ensured that the transition from the previous operator to AMC was carried out in a safe, compliant and structured manner.
Retaining experience and operational continuity
An important part of the transition strategy was maintaining the continuity of operational knowledge on board the vessel.
To achieve this, AMC retained over 90% of the existing Champion crew, as well as key members of the onshore vessel management team who had previously worked on the asset. This approach ensured that valuable experience and operational familiarity with the vessel were preserved while integrating AMC’s management systems and operational processes.
In parallel, AMC’s vessel management team has worked closely with the crew to deliver onboard training and familiarisation, ensuring that all personnel are fully aligned with the company’s safety procedures and operational framework.
The vessel also has a strong safety culture, with the crew maintaining a long-standing record of LTI-free operations. AMC is building on this foundation through targeted safety initiatives and operational campaigns designed to reinforce safe behaviours and maintain high safety standards across all activities.
Supporting offshore projects across the region
Now operating under AMC’s management, the Champion is already supporting offshore work for clients in the Middle East.
The vessel’s combination of pipelay capability, heavy-lift capacity, and accommodation for large offshore crews makes it well suited to complex offshore installation campaigns. These include subsea pipeline installation, offshore infrastructure development and other marine construction activities required to support offshore energy projects.
As offshore development continues across the region, assets such as the Champion play a critical role in enabling marine contractors to safely and efficiently execute large-scale offshore installation work.
A strategic asset for AMC’s continued growth
The addition of the Champion represents an important step in AMC’s evolution as a marine contractor providing engineering, procurement, transportation and installation services to the offshore energy sector.
Owning and operating a vessel of this capability strengthens the company’s ability to deliver offshore campaigns while continuing to work with chartered marine assets when required. It also reflects AMC’s long-term strategy to build a robust operational platform capable of supporting complex offshore projects across the Middle East, India and Southeast Asia.
As AMC continues to expand its project portfolio and operational footprint, the Champion will play an important role in supporting the company’s offshore execution capability and delivering safe and reliable marine operations for its clients.
