The load-out operation in Flushing.
Pancake method
As in numerous other construction projects, this topsides was also built using the pancake method – in other words, deck by deck. This work was undertaken by the HFG yard in Flushing. Overall project manager Frank Slangen explained: “The topsides was built in our construction hall. A start was made on the work in September 2009 and following the site move of the module on platform trailers to an outdoor location, the four 75 metre-long legs were installed, using a 1,300 tonne crane. At one point, we had ten cranes travelling around the yard to ensure that all the installation work was completed on time. The 4,000 tonne deck was subsequently lifted using strandjacks to install the grillage on the underside, necessary to ensure solid support for the topsides on the transport barge. The grillage was 6.7 metres high, and in total weighed 800 tonnes.” It is also worth recording that the risers for the production wells travel through one leg, while the gas transport pipeline passes through another. The leg even includes a second pipeline for an optional additional connection. Frank Slangen went on: “Another unique feature was that the entire structure was first rolled over onto the H-541 barge operated by Heerema Marine Contractors, on platform trailers, and subsequently onto the Boa Barge 35. Measuring 31.5 metres wide, this transport and installation barge was of precisely the right width to allow the legs and suction piles with reinforcement frames to be suspended down both sides. This work involved the floating crane Matador 3.”
8
2011
Sail-away of the fully-assembled platform on the Boa Barge 35.