Others, such as the
JSD6000
, look to combine the speed
and capacity of S-lay with the deepwater capacity and
complex field installation versatility of J-lay systems. When
combined with the heavy lift capacity of the offshore crane,
this becomes a flexible and varied-use asset.
J-lay system
The IHC system was selected not only because it offered
industry-leading performance and functionality but also
because it could be tailored to integrate effectively with
the new vessel and other mission equipment. Petrofac’s
decision was also based on the
performance of the previous IHC
J-lay system for Saipem’s
FDS2
vessel. This equipment has excelled
and developed a reputation for
efficiency and reliability in its four
years of operation.
The new J-lay system, with
components currently being built
in the Netherlands, Italy, UK and
Eastern Europe, is designed to take
pipelay technology to new levels
of performance and efficiency.
The J-lay tower can operate at a
range of angles with positions allowing
passage with restricted air drafts.
Abandonment and recovery operations
have the benefit of two independent
systems. The J-Lay Tower can hold
and abandon up to 2000 t using the
combination of a 2-fall system.
Welding, NDT and coating
operations are all executed in a
totally enclosed and air-conditioned
environment. This workstation
has multiple levels required to
house the extensive equipment in
a sheltered environment. It has an
internal floor area of 180 m² and can
accommodate the varied welding
positions required for different
angles of pipelay.
Cycle time is always critical
in pipelay operations. Petrofac
are developing their own high
speed welding processes for the
new vessel. Equally it is essential
that pipe handling and loading
times within the J-lay tower
remain within tight tolerances. A
number of innovations have been
incorporated to shave precious
seconds from the cycle. A new
configuration of loader arm has
been developed by IHC that not
only handles the pipe quads but also the pipeline inline
items end fittings. This simplifies the number of separate
lifting systems required on the system.
The pipelay tower is mounted over a moonpool close
to the middle of the vessel. This provides significant
advantages for vessel stability and creates space for the
5000 t crane but has given the engineering team challenges
in the overall arrangement and packaging of equipment. By
working with Petrofac’s engineers, design and layout ideas
have been incorporated into the vessel that allow the tower
structures to be more efficient and better able to cope with
