Maersk Supply Service (MSS) has awarded Scottish flex-lay specialist Maritime Developments Ltd (MDL) a solution-development scope in the Libra (Mero)* block in the Santos Basin.
The scope entails the development of an integrated spread of equipment and expert personnel to support installation of a dynamic riser assembly, which will enable connection to a grid of PRM (Permanent Reservoir Monitoring) sensors over wells of Mero 1 and Mero 2 projects in the basin’s ultra-deep waters.
Besides the dynamic cable riser, complete with DUTA and pigtails, the PRM network also consists of backbone cables and over 650km of seismic array cables.
To support Maersk Supply Service, MDL will supply a horizontal SURF lay spread onto an MSS I-Class vessel, with the installation campaign planned for 2025.
Prior to this award, MDL had been commissioned to undertake a FEED study to assess the feasibility of installation of the unique product in the PRM network, with the umbilical, DUTA and pigtails being supplied pre-connected - meaning that the 5 pigtail lines must be installed simultaneously.
Alexander Wilson, MDL Flexlay Solutions Unit Lead, said: “As a result of completing the FEED, MDL had an intimate knowledge of the project and the challenges faced by Maersk Supply Service, and we were therefore best placed to hit the ground running with the most achievable approaches within the client’s timescales.
“Having performed the study, we appreciated the substantial challenge of a parallel installation of five pigtails, a dynamic umbilical and DUTA, supplied as a continuous product from a single reel.
“Through open and in-depth technical discussions between the two companies, we were able to identify a solution, utilising our proven back-deck technology, known for its safety and integration features which will provide reassurance on such complex multi-system installation.
“Our experienced project engineering team will assist with the packaging of the spread on the client’s vessel while our expert field service team will ensure safe operations on board, supported with remote connectivity to the beach.”
Yuri Mendes Martins, MDL do Brasil Country Manager, said: "We are pleased that MDL has been chosen to deliver a solution for this complex installation, where we were able to assist from the early planning stages with our in-house engineering expertise. When faced with a challenging scope like this one, being able to perform feasibility studies on the most optimal approaches is invaluable in delivering a safe and successful project overall.
“This award represents the confidence that Maersk Supply Service has in MDL’s abilities to provide innovative and reliable solutions. Brazil's ultra-deep waters require companies that can meet these complex challenges head-on and MDL is uniquely equipped to do so.”
Alexandre Ferraz, Country Manager for Maersk Supply Service Brazil, said: “The installation of the dynamic riser in conjunction with DUTA and pigtails contains technical and operational challenges that can only be overcome with an effectively designed and integrated lay system. Maersk Supply Service was able to build a collaborative partnership with MDL that gives us confidence that project will be delivered successfully.”