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THE UK OFFSHORE OIL AND GAS FABRICATORS DIRECTORY
2016
page 72
Projects and Markets
(continued)
Byford Dolphin SPS renewal and upgrades
H&W successfully completed the dry docking and class renewal
survey of the Byford Dolphin Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit
(MODU) during the summer.
The rig left Belfast in July following a six-month dry docking
in the shipyard’s main building dock, during which time circa
1.5 million man-hours were expended.
H&W and Dolphin Drilling implemented an integrated project
organisation dedicated solely to the successful execution
of the project, covering the many disciplines, aspects and
subcontractors of the scope.
Last in Belfast during 2004/2005, this Aker-H3 design
semi-submersible drilling rig will have its SPS renewal survey
and several major modifications and upgrades, including
fabricating and adding two new columns and four buoyancy
boxes for stability and deck load improvements; fitting a new
larger blowout preventer (BOP) requiring underdeck stiffening;
and fabricating and installing a new BOP control house and
installing new drill string handling equipment. An intense three
month period of pre-fabrication preceded the arrival of the rig,
during which new steel sections were constructed.
Over the years H&W and Dolphin Drilling have collaborated
on several occasions, having fabricated pontoons, column
extensions, power generation and accommodation modules for
other vessels in the Dolphin fleet.