By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Jan. 30 -- Technip has completed an open sea catamaran floatover topsides installation on the deepwater spar in Kikeh field off Malaysia.
The catamaran floatover, which Technip calls the "world's first," required the spar topsides to be installed as a single integrated deck using the floatover method, which allows a major portion of the hook-up and precommissioning work to be completed onshore prior to load-out.
This technique reduces the duration and cost of the offshore commissioning phase. It also can be used for future projects in other regions, where access to heavy lift vessels for topsides installation is constrained.
Kikeh oil field, developed in the deepest waters in Southeast Asia, has the first spar application outside the Gulf of Mexico. The spar hull was installed in late October-early November 2006, and the deck floatover was carried out Nov. 6.
The field's engineering, procurement, construction, installation, and commissioning contract, which includes delivery of the spar hull, topsides, drilling and production riser systems, as well as the marine installation, hookup, and commissioning of the facilities off Sabah, is on schedule for complete delivery in 24 months.
Operator Murphy Sabah Oil Co. Ltd. holds 80% interest in the field, and Petronas Carigali Sdn. Bhd. has 20%.