Seajacks Expands Jack-Up Fleet
Words by Tom Scott
“The fleet of Seajacks vessels is flexible enough to accommodate most tasks they are asked to do,” says Seajacks Sales and Marketing Manager Max Paterson, demonstrating that versatility is the key to success in the offshore installation market. This summer, the UK-based offshore installation and maintenance contractor took delivery of its fourth self-propelled jack-up vessel – Seajacks Hydra. Built by Lamprell in Dubai and commissioned by Damen in Rotterdam, Seajacks’ new 75m vessel demonstrates the company’s adaptable role in the European offshore market.
“Hydra can be used for installation, construction and maintenance,” continues Mr Paterson. “Along with well intervention and coiled tubing services and many other tasks in both the oil & gas and offshore wind industries as well as other services such as accommodation services in the southern North Sea.” Hydra will expand the Seajacks fleet, which currently includes Seajacks Kraken, Leviathan and Zaratan – all specifically designed to work in the harsh environment of the North Sea. The new Seajacks team member can work all year round in water depths up to 48m and wave heights up to 13.1m in this region.
Heavier Lifts
Hydra represents the fourth Gusto MSC-designed vessel that Lamprell has built for Seajacks. The vessel exhibits a number of design changes to the original Gusto MSC NG2500X design seen in Kraken and Leviathan – accomplished efficiently due to Seajacks’ established relationships with both designer and shipbuilder. “Due to our experience using these vessels we were able to work with Gusto to make changes which would increase the flexibility and adaptability of Hydra,” explains Mr Paterson.
One modification was due to Seajacks specifying an upgrade of the stern-mounted main crane offering a 400t @ 18.5m capacity instead of the previous 300t. “Kenz supplied Hydra’s main crane,” informs Mr Paterson. “They also supplied Leviathan’s main crane so we have already had experience working with this particular model.” Kenz designed and built the crane and engineered the pedestal foundation. Designed with a strong focus on low and easy maintenance, safety and reliability, redundant load cells and power packs, tugger winches and cameras were called into play. The crane’s 73m EX-rated boom is designed to operate during floating conditions and also for deepwater subsea operations.
Improved POB
By collaborating with Lamprell, Hydra has undergone a substantial design rethink resulting in improved space management and greater accommodation capacity. “The increased space management encompassed changing the layout of Hydra’s cabins to increase the POB to 100 with the potential to increase to 120 if necessary,” says Mr Paterson. “Increasing the amount of people on board naturally meant Hydra would need additional lifeboats on both sides of the vessel, with 2 x 100 person capacity totally enclosed survival crafts located on both port and starboard sides of Hydra along with inflatable life rafts for 200 percent of total complement.” Despite the enlarged accommodation capacity, the main deck area is still an impressive 900m2.
Safe & Sound
When discussing crew safety, Mr Paterson is loud and clear: “Seajacks has a strong safety culture – the safety of every employee, contractor and visitor is paramount, which is why we adhere to the strict guidelines set out in the BS OHSAS 18001 certification.” Similarly, as the company operates mainly in the North and Irish Seas, comfort is also a high priority, “The comfort of Seajacks crew on all vessels is important which is why we ensure the catering, gym and recreation rooms are all of a top quality standard.”
Ready for Action
Seajacks CEO Blair Ainslie summed up Hydra’s role in the company succinctly on her delivery: “Whether she is working in the oil & gas or offshore wind industries, she will operate effectively and efficiently and achieve the highest levels of operating up time.”
After delivery from Lamprell at the beginning of the summer, Hydra underwent commissioning at Damen Shiprepair Rotterdam where her four azimuth thrusters were installed in under 10 days. With the thrusters in place, offering DP2 capabilities, Hydra set to work performing accommodation services for the installation of the Sylwin alpha platform in the German North Sea.
Visit Gusto MSC at Offshore Energy at booth nr 10.022
Visit Seajacks at the Society of Petroleum Engineers Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition
