GMC has successfully installed a seawater caisson in the North Sea; eight days ahead of schedule.
It is the first installation carried out by the company in the North Sea; with a further two fabricated caissons completed and ready to be installed later this year.
The TSA coated 30in outer diamter diameter caisson was installed in nine sections using eight sets of GMC’s high fatigue non-rotational caisson connectors. All connections were made up quickly and efficiently first time.
GMC’s handling and installation methodology greatly reduces the installation time over convention installation methods. GMC provided sufficient handling tools to ensure continuous operations were maintained throughout, thereby eliminating delays normally associated in handling caisson operations.
A first for GMC in the UK, this project demonstrates the company’s competence in providing a complete fabricated caisson with connectors, dead weight support, and guide nose cone, all fabricated and coated to the client’s requirements. It also demonstrated the mobilization of tools and competent personnel to carry out the critical "make-up' operation in connecting the caisson sections together safely and efficiently in minimal time.
The GMC solution eliminates the need for offshore welding of caissons, and provides the client with a safe and efficient fabrication and installation service that delivers considerable cost savings, whilst also extending the life of ageing assets.