U.K.-based TechnipFMC PLC said March 11 it has acquired a new dive support vessel, which will be called the Deep Discoverer, for its North Sea operations.

The vessel is currently undergoing an operational readiness program and will start work in the first half of 2019. It will provide services for diving construction and inspection, repair and maintenance in the North Sea market.

Deep Discoverer has DP3 capabilities, an 18-person twin bell saturation diving system, in-built air diving spread and a 250Te NOV Hydralift subsea crane.

The oil and gas services provider signed a deal in 2018 with VARD shipyard in Norway to purchase the vessel.