Elf Enterprise Caledonia Ltd. has claimed a world record for the heaviest single object lifted by a crane.
The claim stems from installation of a 10,750 metric ton process utilities module for Piper Platform B in the U.K. North Sea.
Heeremac installed the unit, built by Press Offshore Ltd. of Tyne and Wear, U.K., with the DB-162 crane vessel. Site is in Block 15/17, 110 miles northeast of Aberdeen.
It was lowered onto a 561 ft high, 23,000 metric ton jacket that was positioned and piled early in September. Three other large modules are scheduled to follow.
The platform is a replacement for the Piper Alpha structure which was heavily damaged by an explosion and fire in 1988. Elf Enterprise plans to begin production next year, building to a peak of 75,000 b/d of oil and 34 MMcfd of gas.
Piper B also will handle production from Saltire and Chanter fields, which also are due on stream next year. Total cost of developing all three reservoirs is 1.3 billion ($2.35 billion).
Elf Enterprise partners are Texaco Britain Ltd., Lasmo (TNS) Ltd., and Union Texas Petroleum Ltd.
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