ABERDEEN’S Maritime Developments Ltd (MDL) and Jumbo Maritime have completed a deep-water polyester mooring rope installation in the Gulf of Mexico.
The project moored a new Floating Production Unit (FPU) at depths of 1,200m (4000ft). The operation was performed using an MDL mooring spread mobilised on-board Jumbo’s Heavy Load Carrier, the Fairplayer.
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The specialist 8.6m OD installation reel was designed by MDL’s in-house engineering team and features a spoked section to separate the polyester rope and mooring chain.
This project was the first joint installation by MDL and Jumbo in the Gulf of Mexico, but follows other mooring scopes in the Mediterranean and offshore Brazil in 2020-21.
Paul Marshall, MDL Project Engineer, said:
“From the onset MDL and Jumbo collaborated as one team to support each client and mooring project at every stage. We received superb feedback, where both our on-board and office-based teams have been recognised for their professionalism, proactive and knowledgeable approach, and our equipment to be a good match for Jumbo’s asset.”
“Considering the number of reels to be deployed, the combination of a large back deck and our compact but highly capable equipment resulted in a fit-for-purpose solution that was much more efficient than using traditional approaches, such as deploying an Anchor Handler.”
“The Fairplayer’s combined footprint on the upper and middle deck meant that the complete installation was performed in a single trip – reducing the cost and impacts of port calls, transit and the overall length of the mission.”
Andrew Blaquiere, Managing Director at MDL, said:
“I am so pleased that our successful collaboration with Jumbo has delivered efficiencies to a Gulf of Mexico operator and their new development start-up. This project has allowed us to demonstrate that there are alternative approaches available even for traditional operations such as moorings – and for deep-water basins.
“MDL is developing a reputation for identifying new, leaner, safer approaches to traditional operations, to help project teams meet their schedule and budget targets in an increasingly demanding market. That’s exactly where we want to be.”
“Our in-house combination of market-leading, portable and adaptable equipment, together with PM&E talent and decades of collective expertise, allow us to effectively analyse the challenge at hand and formulate a solution – either to suit the client’s fleet or any vessel they have convenient access to.”
To date, MDL equipment has installed over 145km of polyester rope, as well as torpedo anchor pennants, SSWR and steel wire rope, across three continents.
Established in 1999, MDL provides tailored back-deck consultancy, equipment and personnel packages for the global energy sectors from its UK bases in Westhill and Peterhead, and its international office in Houston, Texas, USA.
