Offshore Platform Powering – DSV Cable Installation

Client: Confidential
Service Provider: NMC Energy
Project: Offshore Platform Powering – DSV Cable Installation
Location: Offshore Installation between Two Platforms

NMC Energy was tasked with managing the offshore cable installation project, which included cable laying, trenching, and commissioning between two offshore platforms. The project required meticulous planning and coordination across various work scopes, including managing vessel assurance, diving, and ROV operations. NMC Energy provided leadership in overseeing the entire package, from engineering preparations and HIRA/HAZID facilitation to interfacing with platform operations and ensuring the safety of the project within the 500-meter safety zone.

NMC Energy’s scope of work covered a comprehensive range of activities to ensure the successful execution of the offshore cable installation:

Cable Installation, Trenching, and Commissioning Package Management:

• NMC Energy managed the full scope of the cable installation and trenching operations, overseeing the dynamic positioning of the Dive Support Vessel (DSV) for the cable installation and the Construction Support Vessel (CSV) for trenching operations.
• The team coordinated the offshore cable construction and commissioning, ensuring that all procedures adhered to technical and safety standards.

Review of Procedures and HAZID Sessions:

• NMC Energy reviewed processes and procedures, attending Hazard Identification (HAZID) sessions to assess risks involved in pigging, installation, layout, platform interface, dredging, and the pull-in of the new power cable between the two platforms.
• NMC Energy’s team ensured that all identified risks were mitigated and integrated into the operational plans.

Vessel Assurance and Intake Process Management:

• The project involved the management of vessel assurance and the intake process for all vessels, ensuring that the Dive Support Vessel (DSV) and Construction Support Vessel (CSV) met the required safety and operational standards before engaging in offshore activities.

Dive and ROV System Audits:

• NMC Energy conducted audits of the diving and ROV systems to ensure they were fit for purpose and complied with industry standards. These audits were crucial in guaranteeing safe and efficient underwater operations during the cable installation.

Provision of Client Representatives and Offshore Project Engineering Support:

• NMC Energy provided client representatives and dive representatives to supervise offshore operations, ensuring client interests were upheld and all activities proceeded according to plan.
• The team also provided offshore project engineering support, overseeing operational interfaces, PD&MS (platform design & maintenance systems), project interfaces, and the Project Safety and Security Readiness (PSSR) process.

Cable Lay and Diving Procedures:

• Engineering and preparation of the cable lay procedures were critical to ensuring precise installation. NMC Energy oversaw the development and approval of these procedures, along with the diving operations required for the pull-in and connection.
• The team also managed topside construction and commissioning, ensuring vendor activities were aligned with the project timeline and safety protocols.

HIRA/HAZID/SIMOPS Session Facilitation:

• NMC Energy facilitated Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA), HAZID, and simultaneous operations (SIMOPS) sessions, ensuring that all stakeholders were aware of potential risks and that operational safety was maintained.

Platform Interface Management:

• The project required close alignment with platform operations. NMC Energy managed the interface between the cable installation team and the platforms, ensuring smooth coordination with the Permit to Work (PTW) system.

Cable Trenching Scopes Management:

• NMC Energy managed the trenching operations required for the cable installation, ensuring that trenching activities were performed safely and in compliance with environmental standards.

Attendance and Sign-off on SIT/FAT:

• NMC Energy participated in and signed off on Site Integration Tests (SIT) and Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) for equipment used during the cable installation. These tests ensured that all equipment functioned correctly before deployment offshore.

Liaison with Marine Warranty Surveyor (MWS):

• One of the challenges of the project involved managing a 5-meter gap between the vessel crane and the platform. NMC Energy liaised closely with the Marine Warranty Surveyor (MWS) to ensure safe operations and compliance with warranty requirements during critical lifting operations.

Management of Operations within the 500m Safety Zone:

• NMC Energy managed all operations within the 500-meter safety zone around the platforms, ensuring that activities adhered to safety protocols and that no unauthorized vessels entered the zone.

Complex Platform Interface and Tight Space for Operations:

• The project required precise coordination between the vessel crane and the platform, with only a 5-meter gap to work with. NMC Energy’s close liaison with the Marine Warranty Surveyor (MWS) and detailed planning ensured that lifting operations were executed safely and accurately.

Simultaneous Operations (SIMOPS):

• Managing simultaneous operations (SIMOPS) was critical to maintaining safety and efficiency during the project. NMC Energy facilitated HIRA/HAZID/SIMOPS sessions, ensuring that all personnel were aware of the concurrent activities and potential risks, leading to a successful operation with no major incidents.

Operational Readiness and Vessel Assurance:

• Ensuring the operational readiness of vessels and equipment was a key challenge. NMC Energy conducted thorough audits of the dive and ROV systems, as well as vessel assurance checks, ensuring that all assets were ready for offshore operations without delays.

• Safe and Precise Cable Installation: NMC Energy successfully managed the cable installation, trenching, and commissioning process, ensuring that all operations were completed safely and within the project’s timeline.
• Effective Risk Management: Through HAZID, HIRA, and SIMOPS sessions, NMC Energy ensured that potential risks were identified and mitigated. The project proceeded with no major safety incidents, highlighting the effectiveness of the risk management process.
• Successful Platform Interface Management: NMC Energy ensured smooth coordination between the platform and offshore installation activities, maintaining alignment with the Permit to Work (PTW) system and minimizing operational disruptions.
• Efficient Vessel and Equipment Management: The management of vessel assurance, dive, and ROV audits ensured that all offshore activities were executed safely and efficiently, with no equipment-related delays or issues.

NMC Energy’s management of the DSV cable installation and trenching project for powering offshore platforms demonstrated the company’s capability to handle complex offshore engineering and operational challenges. By ensuring detailed planning, effective risk management, and seamless coordination between vessels and platforms, NMC Energy delivered a successful project, meeting all safety, operational, and environmental requirements. This case study highlights NMC Energy’s expertise in offshore cable installation and trenching operations, providing valuable insights into the company’s leadership in managing large-scale offshore infrastructure projects.