MDL Undertakes Double SURF Lay for TechnipFMC Norway

July 27, 2021 | Oil & Gas | Energy Facts Staff Writer | 4min

MDL has completed two separate installation campaigns in the Norwegian North Sea with TechnipFMC.

The two scopes – both follow-on campaigns from 2020 – were performed using MDL spreads mobilised on vessels from the client’s fleet.

On the first mission, an MDL Third-generation Reel Drive System was used to install 2 umbilicals from 9.6m reels. The system was mobilised on the same vessel as during the 2020 operations in the field, using existing deck layout plans and sea-fastening designs.

The second mission completed the replacement of a flexible jumper, using an MDL Second-generation Reel Drive System, a TTS-2/140 Series Tensioner, an overboarding chute and deck deflectors.

In preparation for this mission last summer, MDL had project engineered onshore transpooling of the product in Norway.

The 2020 scope consisted of transpooling the product from its storage reel onto the quayside, and then onto an installation reel, using the MDL Second-generation RDS.

The transpooling allowed end termination support frames to be installed to the client’s 8.6m reel in accordance with MDL design drawings, under the instructions of MDL’s team on site; as well as inspection and SIT of the product while spooled into its expected seabed configuration to verify orientation of the end termination.

Alexander Wilson, MDL BD Manager, said:

“It is very satisfying to have customers return to you for subsequent projects – but even more so when you can assist these customers further with additional efficiencies.

“By deploying the same lay spreads on vessels previously used, we are streamlining the engineering required for lift or deck planning, systems integration or sea-fastening design. On top of that, there’s the familiarity of the teams who work better together with every subsequent project.

“We pride ourselves on building the trust gained between these respective teams and our commitment to understanding and delivering on our clients’ expectations – to execute their campaigns as efficiently and safely as possible.”