Drydocks World successfully completes Turret modules 1 & 2 for the world’s largest Turret Mooring System
Drydocks World, the international service provider to the shipping, maritime, offshore, oil, gas and energy sectors, has successfully completedTurret modules 1& 2 to ‘sail away’for the world’s largest floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) facility.This innovative FLNG facility will be stationed by Shell at its Prelude gas field off the northwest coast of Australia, unlocking new essential energy resources offshore to meet growing demand. Once all six Turret modules are integrated in Korea and transported to Australia,they will comprise the largest Turret Mooring System in the world, weighing over 11,000 tons, the company said in its press release.
For the first time at Drydocks World- Dubai, 8 lines of 2x22 axle Self Propelled Modular Trailers (SPMT) were used to load out Turret modules 1 & 2 onto the ‘KOREX’ shipping vessel sailing for Korea. As one of the most powerful heavy-duty transport systems worldwide, the SPMT equipment was used to load the heavy Turret components from the quay onto the barge. Due to the weight of the Turret structures, Drydocks World’s quay strength was challenged and determined strong enough to sustain the loads of Turret Modules 1 & 2. In conjunction with the advanced SPMT technology, the Mediterranean mooring maneuver was used with additional load out plates, in order to balance the immense operation. With the extreme size and weight to transport, Drydocks equipment and workforce maintained a safe and secure environment, successfully delivering the pioneering Turret Modules load out.
Drydocks World Dubai is privileged to be working with SBM Offshore, Technip and Shell on such a vital element of the Prelude FLNG project. The Turret Mooring System developed by Drydocks World is pivotal to the project for its ability to anchor the FLNG facility, securing the vessel at location for the duration of production operations. The Turret design will enable the FLNG facility to weathervane freely and remain stable against harsh weather conditions, including high velocity tropical cyclones. At nearly 100-metres, the Turret will be taller than the ‘Big Ben’ clock tower in London, making it the largest Turret ever completed.
The Shell Prelude FLNG will bring new energy sources to the market that would alternatively be difficult to develop and not economically viable. As the largest structure ever sent to sea, displacing as much water as a fleet of six aircraft carriers, the Prelude FLNG will produce at least 3.6 million tons of liquefied natural gas per year, delivering an essential energy resource.
His Excellency Khamis Juma Buamim, Chairman of Drydocks World and Maritime World stated, “Drydocks World Dubai is proud to be part of this important milestone in offshore gas liquefaction and to be involved in such a prestigious, record-breaking project. In constructing the world’s largest Turret for the global gas industry,we have maintained our stringent quality and safety standardsto mitigate all risks and hazards. With 5 million LTI-freemanhourscompleted, this is a testament to the impeccable safety record Drydocks World maintains. In implementing a project of this magnitude, DrydocksWorldhas demonstrated our advanced engineering capabilities, project management skills, and commitment to achieving Operational Excellence. We look forward to completing the remaining Turret modules, and achieving further worldwide recognition for Dubai as an international business hub with this pioneering project.”
Eng. Ali AlSuwaidi, Vice President of Business Development, Commercial & Project Managementat Drydocks World said, “We are always pursuing new and challenging projects which will enhance our capabilities and strengthen our position in the offshore construction market.At Drydocks World we collectively believe in the importance of the Turret project, and look forward to establishing new partnerships for growth and sustainability in the future. With a shared priority of quality and safety, we are delighted to be working with Shell, Technipand SBM Offshore on developing this innovative technology.”
“Shell is very pleased with the progress made to date by DDW-D on the key Turret Mooring System modules for the Prelude FLNG Project here in Dubai. Together with our partners, Technip and SBM, DDW has contributed to a safe execution of the work with 5 Million injury freemanhoursto date. We look forward to completing the remaining modules here in Dubai so that we can integrate them into the groundbreaking Prelude FLNG facility which is under construction in the Samsung Heavy Industry shipyard in Korea,” said DidrikReymert, Project Director of the Shell Prelude Project.
Drydocks World has extensive experience in building Turret structures, having previously built the internal Turret for SBM Frade project, two external Turrets for Saipem (installed on board FRSU Toscana and FPSO Firenze) and a smaller internal Turret for BW Offshore.