An operator requiring an offshore coiled-tubing (CT) intervention in the South China Sea, Brunei, was presented with challenging monsoon weather conditions and limited and aging offshore facilities. This, combined with a desire to improve operational efficiency, led to the design of novel improvements to the CT intervention vessel. Innovative technologies from various applications were combined to provide the operator a successful solution for CT intervention improvement.
The CT intervention vessel concepts consisted of a full catenary CT system, dynamic positioning vessel, knuckle boom crane, and a heave compensated gang way. The full catenary system was selected for this CT operation to minimize the potential for lifting hazards, reduce offshore installation lead times, and improve the operating efficiency of the CT intervention vessel. The dynamic positioning vessel eliminated anchoring requirements and provided enhanced efficiency for evacuation. The knuckle boom crane provided the capability to lift in different angles to reach equipment placement in difficult positions, even underneath the platform helideck. The heave compensated gang way delivered extraordinary crew transportation between the vessel and offshore facilities and also provided a means for superior emergency response and evacuation upon occurrence of sudden severe offshore weather conditions.
Use of these novel concepts significantly improved the safety and operation of the CT intervention vessel.
