Desired End-Preparation

BlueFin Case Study
Written By GATE Energy

Split frame lathe technology delivers field machining solutions for one Supermajor in the Dragon Field block.

Location: Trinidad, West Indies

Pipe Specifications

Diameter: 36” OD
Wall Thickness: 1.000
Purpose: Subsea Installation

BACKGROUND

A Supermajor operator planned to install a 36 inch subsea pipeline off the coast of Trinidad and Tobago in the Dragon Field. While the initial CAPEX budget gained approval, the final project schedule witnessed constraints and delays. Due to this schedule extension the said pipeline was stored in location open to the natural environment.

Upon project kick-off approval, inspection noted that the pipe ends suffered terminal corrosion damage. Further investigation provided a technical review and the said operator elected to remove each metal loss pipe end.

CHALLENGE

Develop a project work plan to safely perform mechanical SIMOPS with careful attention to project budget.

Scope of Work

  • 7,100 Field machine cuts total

  • SIMOPS mandate

Technical Achievements

  • BlueFin averaged 90-100 field machine cuts per day.

  • Project management provided daily oversight of 46 technicians.

  • BlueFin managed clear chain of command and communication amongst multiple clients contractors:

    • Engineering (Technip)

    • Marine installation (Saipem)

    • Coatings (Bredero Shaw)

  • Fabricated rack system enabled SIMOPS capability, pup joint retrievability, and decreased limb exposure.

  • Project completed ahead of schedule with zero incidents.

GATE Energy
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