TLQ Supply to build living quarters for GDF SUEZ
TLQ Supply has once again succeeded in winning a major construction order for accommodation modules. The most recent order was issued by GDF SUEZ E&P Nederland, and involves the fabrication of three living quarters. Two are intended for two gas production platforms and the third is for an oil production platform, all to be installed in mid-2013 in the Dutch sector of the North Sea.
For the production of gas from blocks L5 and D18, platforms L5a-D and D18a-A are currently under construction. The HSM yard in Schiedam is fabricating the jacket and topsides for the L5a-D platform but just the topsides unit for the D18a-A platform. The jacket for this platform is under construction at the NAMI yard in Ridderkerk. The same yard is also fabricating the jacket for the Q13-A oil production platform. The fabrication of the topsides for this platform has been outsourced to Fabricom in Antwerp. For all three platforms, Zwolle-based TLQ Supply will be fabricating the special accommodation module, known in the business as the living quarters. The three units are to be handed over at the very start of next year. Divided into two two-man cabins, each module will provide living space for four crew members. According to founder and director of TLQ Supply, Wichert Dubbeldam, the units will be functionally and comfortably equipped, while complying with the highest safety requirements. “The special feature of the 12-tonne units is the use of 8 mm thick high tension steel blast-walls and special build dampers capable of resisting at least 100 tonnes blast force in case of the unlikely event of a gas explosion. The living quarters are also equipped with HVAC, smoke and gas detection, alarm systems, telephone, television and Internet connections. A special boiler system has been installed for the showers.”
Wichert Dubbeldam is delighted that his recently-established business, founded only in 2011, has been awarded this fabrication order by GDF SUEZ E&P Nederland. “It is once again confirmation for our business that our living quarters’ concept responds perfectly to the wishes of the offshore sector. Alongside the three living quarters referred to above, we are currently fabricating a further two modules for a major drilling company.”
Flying start
The order from GDF SUEZ E&P Nederland was not the first to be received by the young company. Wichert continued, “We started by developing light-weight accommodation modules based on a standard design that could be adapted to specific customer wishes.” The standard length is 6.30 metres, width 3.20 metres and height 2.90 metres. The total weight of each module is 8.5 tonnes. As a result, these units can easily be hoisted on board jack-up drilling rigs, and production and accommodation platforms, using the platform’s own crane. Simultaneously with the launch of marketing and PR activities, the company started the fabrication of four such units. “We completed the steel construction work in Meppel, in one of the halls owned by the De Kaap shipyard, and finishing work was carried out in the hall at Green Technology,” explained Wichert Dubbeldam, who was subsequently successful in attracting a number of different prospective buyers for his concept. The four units were eventually purchased by NAM. This order represented a flying start for the business. The fabrication of the units was undertaken by a regular group of subcontractors from the company’s home region, with whom a solid relationship had already been established over the years via the sister company Dubbeldam Offshore Supply & Maintenance. “I have been active in the offshore sector with that company since 2001. Via a unique full-service concept, we carry out renovation and expansion work in living quarters for example on platforms offshore.” One special project undertaken in that connection was the expansion of the living quarters on the jack-up drilling rig Noble George Sauvageau, by a further 24 beds shared across twelve cabins. “To achieve that expansion, we fabricated eight modules in Delfzijl, ranging in weight from 14 to 20 tonnes, as well as a 15-tonne radio room. The special feature of the project was that all units were installed offshore, so drilling work was able to continue, uninterrupted.”
TLQ Supply is naturally able to make the most of the knowledge and experience acquired by Dubbeldam Offshore Supply & Maintenance, a fact that has undoubtedly contributed to the flying start already achieved in the offshore sector.
