23.09.08
LOAD-OUT & SHIPMENT AT ABERDEEN HARBOUR
MARKS MILESTONE FOR PETROFAC’S DON AREA DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
Mid Water Arch on the CSO Wellservicer at Aberdeen Harbour.
A key component in the development of the Don Southwest and West Don oil fields has been loaded out at Aberdeen Harbour for shipment to the East Shetland Basin.
The Mid Water Arch weighs approximately 110 tonnes and measures 16 metres x 10 metres x 7 metres and is, in effect, a huge buoyancy tank.
It is believed to be the largest dynamic riser system yet for UK waters.
It will be located 120 metres below the Northern Producer floating production facility (FPF) and 55 metres from the seabed to which it will be
tethered. The system will support risers which will pass over it, delivering output from the two fields, the first UK development as operator for Petrofac Energy
Developments Limited, in partnership with Valiant-Petroleum, Stratic Energy, Nippon and First Oil.
The structure was fabricated by OIL Engineering at its York Street facility, across the road from the port's deep-water
Clipper Quay where it was loaded onto specialist support vessel, CSO Wellservicer. It was transferred to the quayside on a low-loader in preparation for the load-out.
Petrofac's Subsea Manager, Matt Huntington, said: "The proximity of facility and quayside meant that the harbour area was an ideal location to fabricate and
ship the Mid Water Arch."
Captain Brian Andrew, Aberdeen Harbour Board’s Assistant Harbour Master, said: "The availability of extensive quayside lay-down areas and deep-water berths at the
port have proved a valuable asset in accommodating the shipment of oilfield structures."
Aberdeen will also be the location for the shipment of new anchor chains for the upgraded Northern Producer and for long term logistical support.
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