David Paganie, Houston
Malaysia DP float-over
Cosco/NMA Maritime completed a float-over installation for Talisman in the PM3 Commercial Arrangement Area, offshore Malaysia. The contractor’s semisubmersible M/VKang Shang Kou set the operator’s BRE gas production platform’s 10,000-metric ton topside on top of a pre-installed jackup over a six-hour period.
Load-out of Talisman’s BRE platform.
The vessel operated in DP-mode and thruster control throughout the entire installation campaign. This eliminated the need for hiring of additional assistance during the setting of the topside and reduced the amount of time required to complete the activity, according to Cosco. Only one additional vessel was needed to transport the topside to its deployment location.
The platform in transit on February 13, onboard a transportation ship.
This is the first time such a large-scale float-over installation was performed entirely in DP/thruster-mode, says Cosco. The vessel’s pre-installed contingency mooring lines were not required during the operation, further indicating the effectiveness of a pure DP float-over. The successful float-over was completed on February 15.
Rig construction
Keppel continues its mad construction spree with the award of contracts to deliver an additional four drilling rigs, since we reported on rig construction in our April issue. All orders call for supply of KFELS B Class-designed jackup rigs.
The shipyard secured its first contract of the series with India-based Discovery Hydrocarbons Pvt. Ltd. to deliver a KFELS B Class jackup valued at $171 million. Due for delivery in 4Q 2008, the newbuild will come equipped with capacity to drill to a total depth of 30,000 ft, in up to 350 ft of water. It will also be fitted with accommodations for 112 people.
Keppel won a second contract, third from Awilco Offshore, worth $146 million, to deliver a KFELS B Class jackup. The new rig,WilStrike, will be capable of drilling down to 30,000 ft, in up to 400 ft of water. Delivery is expected in 2Q 2009.
The third rig ordered from Keppel was from SeaDrill Ltd. for delivery of a KFELS B Class-designed jackup, valued at $132 million. SeaDrill exercised an option with the shipyard for the newbuild, inherited through acquisition of Odfjell Invest Ltd. The rig will be capable of drilling to a total depth of 30,000 ft, in up to 400 ft of water. It will include accommodation facilities for 112 people. Delivery is scheduled for 2Q 2008.
Keppel FELS is currently building 23 jackups, 5 semisubmersibles, and one semisubmersible drilling tender.
The shipyard secured its fourth KFELS B Class jackup order worth $184 million from India-based Jindal Group. Identical to the previous three rig orders, this jackup will be equipped with capacity to drill down to a total depth of 30,000 ft, in up to 350 ft of water. It will be fitted with accommodations for 112 people. Delivery is expected in late-2008.
Labroy Offshore Ltd. signed contracts to deliver newbuild jackup rigs as well. The shipyard was awarded two separate contracts, totaling $292 million, to build MSC CJ-46-100D-designed jackups. The two rigs are scheduled to be delivered in 2008 and 2009.
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Keppel Corp. subsidiary, Keppel O&M, has signed a letter of intent with Qatar Gas Transport Co. Ltd. (NAKILAT) to jointly develop and manage a new facility in the Port of Ras Laffan, Qatar, for the construction, repair, and maintenance of ships and other marine structures.
Completion of the joint venture agreement is subject to approval by the boards of Keppel O&M and NAKILAT.
According to Faisal Al-Suwaidi, vice chairman of NAKILAT, the new facility will be suitable for repair and maintenance of very large LNG carriers, the conversion of tankers into FPSOs, and the construction of specialized ships, such as offshore supply vessels.
The yard will also be equipped with capacity for fabrication of various structures including jackup drilling rigs, process modules, decks, jackets, flare booms, and the fabrication of components for land-based petrochemical and industrial plants. Additionally, the facility will provide life-cycle support in all the markets it serves.
Planning of the new yard is underway, with completion of the first phase of development scheduled for 4Q 2009.
Modec inks FPSO deal
Modec signed an EPCI contract with BHP Billiton for the provision of an FPSO slated for installation on the Stybarrow field, located in permit WA-255-P(2) in the southern Carnarvon basin, approximately 65 km off the northwest coast of Australia. Water depth onsite is approximately 825 m.
The contractor’s awarded workscope calls for delivery of a floating production unit capable of processing 80,000 b/d of total liquids and equipped with capacity to store 900 MMbbl of oil. Modec will also supply the vessel’s disconnectable internal turret mooring system.
A newbuild FPSO hull slot at Samsung Heavy Industries was secured well in advance (2004) to facilitate on-time delivery.
First oil from the Stybarrow field is expected in 1Q 2008. Modec will own and operate the FPSO for an initial 10-year period with the option to secure five additional one-year extensions.
