Belgian contractor DEME has replaced bankrupt heavy-lift operator Beluga Shipping as Hochtief’s partner in Beluga Hochtief Offshore.

DEME affiliate GeoSea, which specialises in the installation of offshore structures and wind farms, will rename the joint venture HGO Infra Sea Solutions when regulatory authorities approve the acquisition of Beluga’s 50% stake.

“Since there is huge demand for offshore installation equipment, we are planning the construction of further special-purpose vessels,” Hotchtief CEO Henner Mahlstedt told investors Wednesday.

The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Founded in 2009, Beluga Hochtief Offshore entered the market with the intention of building, operating and chartering windfarm installation vessels. Today, the company committed to the expansion of its “service spectrum” with the repair, maintenance and decommissioning of offshore facilities as well.

One of its jack-up newbuildings, which is scheduled for delivery in 2012, cost an estimated EUR 200m ($284m) and remains under construction in Poland.

In March, the venture made TradeWinds headlines when it secured a three-month extension with Crist Shipyard on exercising an option for a second vessel.