Reel system adapted for deck constraints at North Sea pipelay job

Offshore staff

ABERDEEN, UK – Maritime Developments Ltd. (MDL) has deployed a horizontal flex-lay spread for flexible flowlines installation at a gas field in the Norwegian North Sea.

This comprised the company’s third-generation 350-metric ton (386-ton) reel deployment system (RDS) and a 50-metric ton (55-ton) pipelay tensioner.

The modular spread was mobilized on board the vessel via sea fastening and an integrated track and cradle system.

Dave Gardiner, commercial manager at MDL, said: “The challenge…was a four-reel set-up on a tight vessel deck. We were able to achieve this with our 350-metric ton reel drive system - narrower than most alternative RDSs on the rental market at only circa 10 m [33 ft] wide.

“Having four reels on deck saved our client unnecessary interim mobilization for additional reel change outs.”

There was no requirement for changing cradles on deck or additional sea fastening, as the integrated cradle system features cradle packers for various reel sizes and pad eyes integrated onto the tracks.

06/27/2018