LDD completes platform jacket foundation installation, Offshore Gabon

20/10/14

LDD, an Acteon company, has successfully finished a specialist foundation installation for the Etame Marin block field expansion project, offshore Gabon, West Africa. The company completed the very remote installation safely and on schedule.

VAALCO Gabon (Etame) Inc. is the operator of the Etame Marin block. EMAS AMC, the subsea services division of EMAS, is undertaking the block expansion project on behalf of VAALCO Gabon (Etame) Inc. and its working interest partners. LDD was awarded the foundations contract covering drilling, grouting, lifting and handling in April 2014.

LDD worked closely with EMAS AMC to install four 48-in. piles for each of the two jackets. Each pile was 140 m in length and penetrated approximately 42 m below the mudline. The companies worked off EMAS’ new flagship vessel, the Lewek Constellation.

Because of the remote working environment offshore Gabon, LDD was equipped with a large suite of spare equipment to ensure that any problem could be quickly rectified without affecting the project schedule. Additionally, replacement tools were quickly supplied through the Acteon Group.

EMAS AMC’s other work includes engineering, procuring, installing and commissioning of rigid pipelines, along with transporting and installing flexible pipelines for Etame and Southeast Etame/North Tchibala, in water depths of 80 m.

Lee Edwards, project manager, LDD, said, “For the Etame Marin block project, LDD utilised its LD2500 reverse circulation drill, which worked straight out of the box. LDD is unique in that it can pull together a range of services for jacket foundation installation under a single contract, which reduces the schedule, costs and risk for the client. The successful completion of this project further proves LDD’s capabilities as a jacket installation specialist in the offshore industry and strengthens its oil and gas portfolio.”

Tom O’Malley, senior project manager, EMAS AMC, said, “The LDD project team worked extremely well with the EMAS team on a very significant part of our Etame/SEENT platform installation. The work was executed in a safe manner and the offshore team should be commended for their work. EMAS looks forward to an opportunity to work with LDD again.”

In 2008, LDD completed drilling and grouting work for VAALCO Gabon (Etame) Inc. on the Ebouri platform.

–ENDS–