It’s Good News Monday!
This Monday we talk about:
VIDEO: Heerema Removes Topside from TAQA's Brae Bravo Platform
Prysmian’s new cable-layer delivered
Viking Launches Lifejacket for Offshore Energy Industry Workers
The Ocean Cleanup Deploys Full-Scale System to The Great Pacific Garbage Patch
Ocean Infinity Buys Geowynd
“Goodbye, Brae Bravo”. Video from TAQA Group.
Heerema Marine Contractors used two huge semi-submersible crane vessels, Sleipnir and Thialf, to remove the topside of TAQA’s Brae Bravo platform in the North Sea. “The first campaign, carried out from the Thialf, prepared the platform for removal and removed the cranes and helideck. During these activities, Sleipnir simultaneously completed the removal of the Brae Bravo flare tower, bridge, and jacket marking the first time these two semi-submersible crane vessels converged in the North Sea, TAQA said.” Sleipnir then returned to remove the rest of the structure. AFOD Environmental Base in Norway will be receiving the 36,000 ton structure for recycling. Brae Bravo produced over 500 million barrels of oil equivalent over its 33 year lifespan.
Prysmian Leonardo da Vinci cable lay vessel. Image from Riviera.
The cable lay vessel Leonardo da Vinci has been delivered to Prysmian. It is already loading cable for its first project, installing the Viking Link submarine cable connection from the UK to Denmark, which will be the world's longest interconnector. “Later in 2021 it will be assigned to other important projects such as the submarine power interconnection between the Spanish islands of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura and the Saint Nazaire offshore windfarm in France.” The Leonardo da Vinci is 170 meters long, with two carousels at 7,000 and 10,000 tons each, and the vessel can install cable over 3,000 meters deep in the ocean. It has a DP3 dynamic positioning system with hybrid propulsion consisting of six diesel generators and two battery energy storage systems (EES) for a total output of 21 MW.
“Credit: Viking Life-Saving Equipment”. Image from Offshore Engineer.
Viking Life-Saving Equipment has a new inflatable lifejacket called VIKING YouSafeTM Vanguard. It meets “(275N) offshore industry standards, and the new lifejacket is SOLAS/MED-approved and CE/ISO-accredited.” The new jackets were designed to get weight off the shoulders and neck to make wearing helmets and communications gear easier, while increasing overall mobility. Each jacket is uniquely identified to keep accurate tracing and maintenance records.
“Image courtesy The Ocean Cleanup”. Image from gCaptain.
The Ocean Cleanup deployed its first full-scale plastics clean up system in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. System002 or “Jenny” is the next iteration of two other tests from 2018 and 2019 - the new one is larger and self-propelled. “Founded in 2013, The Ocean Cleanup’s mission is to develop and advance technologies to cleanup plastic pollution at sea and also stop the inflow via rivers.” The system concentrates floating plastic which is then used to create products to fund the cleanup efforts. They are working with Maersk Supply Service to handle the supply chain management. Over the next 6 weeks, they will conduct more than 70 tests with the new system. The ultimate goal is to have dozens of systems that could clean up half the garbage patch in as little as 5 years.
“File image: Ocean Infinity”. Image from Offshore Engineer.
Marine geotechnics expert Geowynd has been acquired by Ocean Infinity. Geowynd is a consultancy based in the UK that works on offshore renewable energy projects. “Geowynd’s geotechnical analysis services include developing smart site investigations, advanced laboratory testing strategies, and optimized de-risked foundation design and installation solutions.” The company will continue to operate under its own brand while adding value to Ocean Infinity’s robotic vessels in the form of reduced emissions, data and AI.
Smile, it’s Good News Monday! :-)