OSBIT Power has been entrusted by Helix Well Ops U.K. to deliver new support structures and deck equipment for two of its new well-intervention vessels.
The contract, worth several million pounds, is the latest in a series of projects to be awarded to the North East England-based company to support Helix’s Well Intervention operations on two new vessels to be chartered by Helix – Siem Helix 1 and Siem Helix 2.
This latest contract follows on from projects to manufacture twin ROV Launch & Recovery Systems and an Umbilical & Guide Wire Handling System. In March, Helix also awarded OSBIT a project to build three sets of Intervention Tension Frames (ITFs) and ‘Walk to Work’ Access Systems for the vessels.
Each vessel will be supplied with a collection of three systems, a Maintenance and Storage Tower, BOP Support Stand and Moveable Deck.
The structures and equipment will be delivered to Helix in early 2016 ready for installation to the vessels, which will go on charter with Petrobras upon completion. They will be fabricated in the North-East with support from the skills, products and services from the company’s predominately local supply chain.
The Maintenance and Storage Tower provides a safe environment to assemble and maintain subsea equipment. The stack components are skidded into position within the maintenance tower, which incorporates a 125 tonne capacity lifting system to enable the stack modules to be progressively assembled.
To enable safe, efficient assembly and maintenance of the equipment, the Maintenance Tower includes five access levels and auxiliary hoists.
Riding Mill-based OSBIT will also deliver Support Stands for the vessels. These provide a safe means for technicians to work under the suspended BOP stack components to complete pre-deployment activities such as riser interface cleaning and replacement of seals.
OSBIT’s Moveable Deck, which will be installed adjacently to the Maintenance Tower and is accessible by connecting walkways, is a specialised mezzanine deck to provide an additional support and work area over the vessel’s moon pool.
The deck, which is primarily used for well intervention operations, travels transversely, with loads up to 100 tonnes, to the well centre and returns to the stowed position to leave the moon pool clear.
Dr Tony Trapp, Managing Director OSBIT Power, comments: “The award of this contract is testament to OSBIT’s strong performance in both its completed and ongoing contracts with Helix and demonstrates the ability of our engineers to deliver innovative and cost-reductive solutions.
“It also highlights the benefits of establishing strategic partnerships between operators and their supply chain, a crucial step in facilitating the development and application of innovative engineering solutions.”