DECOMMISSIONING
The decomissioning project broke a number of world records
manner, with over 95% of materials reused. But getting Curlew to the facility would require an unprecedented feat of logistics in moving the 235m long, 20,300t FPSO from its semi-submersible vessel and onto land, to enable the most efficient decommissioning process. Dorien Frequin, branch manager
Norway at Mammoet explains: “Te load- in of Curlew to the decommissioning yard presented some major challenges – not only in terms of its size and scale but also because the nature of its structure meant that it would deflect when moved around, potentially jeopardising the transport operation. It was recognised that specialist expertise would be needed and so we began our involvement with AF Offshore Decom and Cosco Shipping Heavy Transport early in the project to ensure we had the best possible approach in place.”
D EFFICIENT E
ngineering expert Mammoet has broken several world records in moving a huge 20,300t FPSO into AF Offshore Decom’s decommissioning and recycling facility where it can be dismantled in a controlled, environmentally responsible manner. A record-breaking 748 axle lines of SPMT and 30 power packs have been used – making this project a double world- first for both the largest number of axle lines and the heaviest weight carried by SPMT. Te Curlew FPSO had operated
in the North Sea for over 20 years, helping to provide crucial gas supplies to Europe. When it reached the end of its operational life owner Shell sought the most environmentally responsible way to dismantle the vessel and reuse as much of its materials as possible. AF Offshore Decom is the main contractor for the Curlew FPSO decommissioning project and Mammoet was the chosen partner for the load-in and set-down operation.
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www.engineerlive.com ECOMMISSIONING
FPSO decommissioned in environmentally responsible, record-breaking project
Tis meant that Curlew was to be
transported to AF Offshore Decom’s AF Environmental Base Vats in Norway where this could be carried out in a controlled
RECORD-BREAKING SPMT MOVE Tis process was started years before the execution of the project, with detailed planning required not only for the engineering scope but also the operational challenges too. Ludo Mous, director operations at
Mammoet Europe continues: “Safety was our first priority and we identified that having a single professional operating all SPMTs would be the best method to use. Tis meant that risks from miscommunication between operators were removed but required a high level of expertise to ensure all electronics worked together and maintained accuracy – especially as performance of the SPMTs would need to be adapted during the move.
The FPSO had operated for over 20 years
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