Keynotes 2008, Volume 2 Page 11

offshore focus

an operational debut with a difference

at the heart of the Joint Venture
(JV) lies the Sapura 3000, a class-
leading vessel in terms of her unique
combination of dynamic positioning
pipelay (`s' and `J' lay), capable of
deploying the largest fully rotating
offshore mast crane in its class (3,000
short tons).

the vessel, ordered by sapura crest,

was already under construction when
the Jv started. Her design has since
been upgraded, incorporating Acergy's
expertise and deepwater experience to
create a highly versatile and capable
vessel ideally suited to deepwater
construction.

the two onboard Acergy core vehicle

rovs are proven world beaters, designed
to eliminate the requirement for a survey

vessel for touch down monitoring (tdm)
during pipelay operations. their design is
founded on fibre optic nodes, which make
these vehicles the most sophisticated in
the remote construction market. In recent
trials, their long excursion tethers achieved
1,740m water depth and 1,500m layback
an achievement which sets a new
world record.

In addition, the tether management

system (tms) has a thrust capability
to increase the horizontal offset of the
vehicle. this capability is complemented
by the stationKeepTM subsea dynamic
positioning system, which facilitates
automation and efficiency of certain
construction tasks.

the Sapura 3000 became operational

in April 2008 and was immediately

mobilised to commence operations in
support of the Kikeh export gas pipeline
installation. work is already well underway,
approximately 120km off the north west
coast of sabah, malaysia.

the Kikeh area is being developed

by murphy sabah utilising dry tree
wells located on a dry tree Unit (dtU)
floating platform, connected to a turret-
moored Floating production storage
and offloading (Fpso) vessel through
a system of subsea manifolds, pipelines
and risers.

sapuraAcergy's project scope

comprises the design, procurement,
installation and commissioning of the
Kikeh 12-inch gas pipeline, 138km long
including a Future tap tee and a pipeline
end termination.

acergy's offshore operations function, which was specifically designed
to provide support services and global expertise wherever needed, has
supported the Kikeh project.

problem solving is a central function of the service, and the knowledge and

expertise provided by Arthur mcewen, Acergy's vp offshore operations & chief
engineer, has proved invaluable.

Arthur's involvement as vessel delivery manager, building on the extensive work

already carried out by sapuraAcergy, saw him heavily involved in recruiting the
crew, pre-commissioning trials and onboard testing with particular focus paid to
the management of the pipelay tensioner trials, in February 2008.

"It's been a steep learning curve, but I relished the challenge," explained Arthur.

"together we have been able to mobilise group information from other regions to
support local problem solving capabilities, which can be especially rewarding.

"As with every new vessel especially with a multi-national team drawn from all

around the world ensuring everyone adopts the health, safety and environmental
systems developed by the Jv and the vessel is vital, as the safety of our people
remains our priority," he added.

extensive teamwork has successfully combined the versatility and new

capabilities of the Sapura 3000 with a wealth of regional experience and best
practice from around the world. the result is a groundbreaking partnership, one
more than capable of meeting the future seabed-to-surface engineering and
construction needs in an expanding marketplace.

global support through offshore operations

the Sapura 3000 class leading capability

arthur mcewen has

brought years of

experience to the

Sapura 3000 and the

Kikeh project.