Benefits of Using a Jack-up MODU to Install a Minimum Facilities Platform
When planning an offshore development, the availability and mobilisation costs of the required construction vessels can prove to be prohibitive, particularly if there aren’t any stationed in the region, which is often the case with marginal fields. This has led both operators and EPCI contractors to adopt novel methods of installation to eliminate the need for multiple or heavy lift vessels.
23 Oct 2019
Utilising contracted resources reduces costs
The single vessel approach to platform installation can reduce overall project costs as a MODU will be mobilised to drill the wells regardless. Using it to install the platform structures as well eliminates the mobilisation costs associated with additional construction vessels and personnel.
Platform construction activities can also take advantage of existing MODU resources, such as supply boats to transport the platform structures to the field outside of drilling operations.
Once the platform structures are installed and well conductors are in place, hook up and commissioning activities can continue simultaneously to the drilling program with the MODU serving as the support unit for these operations. This allows the operator to take advantage of the accommodation and support vessels already under contract.
MODU provides stability and reduces risk
Installing an MFP with a MODU is less risky than installation with a derrick or lift barge as it provides a stable fixed platform from which piles can be driven, wells drilled, and structures accurately installed in a controlled manner. The stability of a MODU also means that they do not have the same weather restrictions as a lift barge which reduces the risk of downtime or demobilisation, particularly in areas prone to tropical storms. Once the main platform has been lifted and installed, MODU operations can continue seamlessly with reduced sensitivity to weather conditions.