TECHNOLOGY FROM EUROPE

First duty for Smit Pioneer

Tony Redding, MIPR Director, SMIT, Rotterdam

Smit Pioneer, Smit International’s new, multipurpose offshore-installation vessel, is a conversion from a large, dock-type barge carrier originally designed and built for operations in Eastern Europe. During conversion, which took place at a UK yard and was completed last September, the vessel was equipped with state-of-the-art systems to optimize her operational capabilities. Her first contract was for Coflexip Stena Offshore, and the venue was Kuito field (first phase), offshore Angola, where Chevron is operator.

The Smit Pioneer

The vessel was required to install flexibles in Kuito field, together with buoyancy tanks and counterweights required for mid-water arches. The vessel’s role in this fast-track development required an extensive spread, including a 20-m-dia. carousel and the Coflexip Vertical Lay System, positioned at the aft moonpool. This moonpool was also fitted with a specially engineered 6-m ´ 6-m plug, ensuring that the radii of flexible lines remained within specified parameters. The work was completed in October.

In February 2000, the vessel secured a second charter from Coflexip Stena Offshore for the Terra Nova project in Canadian waters. It involves trenching and laying flexibles in the field, which is located some 350 km (560 mi) off St. John’s, Newfoundland. Between these projects, the vessel was called on for an unexpected, sad duty – recovery of wreckage following the EgyptAir disaster off Rhode Island. This task was completed in December.

Returning to Terra Nova, the new offshore vessel will accommodate about 30 marine crew and 50 project personnel. She has a length of 157 m, a beam of 29 m and a deck area of 2,688 sq m. Her selection for projects offshore Angola and the Grand Banks reflects the vessel’s operational attributes. Her large capacity, enhanced by an extended working envelope in difficult weather, allows sustained operations on location. The high freeboard and high side walls reduce the "green water" taken on deck, thus protecting crew and cargo and permitting deck operations to continue in adverse conditions.

The new vessel has two moonpools for high-efficiency diving/ ROV / construction operations, a 250-t fully heave-compensated revolving crane, an advanced DP system and a Super Puma-capable helideck. Operational roles include mooring installation, diverless tie-ins, well servicing, manifold/riser installation and cablelay.