Offshore staff

YANTAI, China -- Yantai Raffles Shipyard has launched its first elevating support vessel. The unit, constructed for Remedial Offshore, was winched over rollers onto a launching barge.

According to the company, the ESV design is optimized for well intervention in water depths up to 325 ft (99 m) and combines the capabilities of a jackup platform, an ocean-going vessel, workover drilling rig, heavy-lift cranes, and an offshore accommodations platform in a single package.

The vessel’s design allows elevated operations of up to 55 ft (17 m) away from the well structure, the company says. The ESV hosts 11,409 sq ft (1,060 sq m) available deck area for equipment rig-up, combined with a 280-metric-ton (309-short-ton) pedestal crane mounted on a moveable structure. There is also accommodation for up to 120 personnel.

The ESV will be moored to enable completion of installation and commissioning of its jacking system. This will be followed by leg installation and pipe and cable outfitting.

Sea trials and delivery are expected before the end of the year.

06/26/2009