Shanghai: Yantai Raffles Shipyard Limited has successfully executed the launch of its first Elevating Support Vessel for Remedial Offshore when the ESV unit was winched over rollers onto the launching barge, reports yourshipbuilding news. The launch ceremony celebrated a major milestone in construction of one of the world's first ESV vessels.
The innovative ESV design is optimized for well intervention in water depths to 325 feet.
The ESV unit combines capabilities of a jack-up platform, an ocean-going vessel, workover drilling rig, heavy-lift cranes and an offshore accommodations platform in a single package. The project uses an industry-first design that allows elevated operations of up to 55 ft away from the well structure. The ESV hosts 1060 m2 available deck area for equipment rig-up, combined with a 280MT pedestal crane mounted on a moveable structure. There is also accommodation, available in 1-2 or 4-person cabins, for up to 120 personnel.
The launching ceremony was attended by Mr. Malcolm Farquhar, Remedial Owner Representative and Senior Management of Yantai Raffles Shipyard Limited.
"This marks a historic day for Yantai Raffles and creates an opportunity for us to expand upon our existing relationship with Remedial Offshore. We are extremely pleased with the progress made and the co-operation we have received during this project so far," said Mr. Brian Chang, Yantai Raffles' Deputy Chairman. "It is extremely gratifying to reach this important milestone in the construction process," said Svein Eggen, Remedial Chairman and CEO. "We are pleased with the build quality to-date and look forward to working with Yantai Raffles as we move towards successful completion."
Now that the ESV has been launched, it will be moored to enable completion of installation and commissioning of the jacking system. The next stage, which will commence next month, will be to move the unit alongside the 2000T shipyard crane and complete the leg installation process while continuing to outfit the vessel with pipes and cables.
These are the final steps before the vessel enters into sea trials, with delivery to occur before the end of the year. [08/07/09]
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