CastorOne and FDS 2: Getting Stronger for Laying Deeper

摘要

Reaching the ultra-deep installation scenarios beyond 2,000m WD means that the new generation ofS/J-laying vessels will be capable of applying pipe holding tensions well beyond 500te, which maybecome twice or three times that value if an unexpected flooding of the pipeline or a wet buckle occurs.To meet the increasing holding tension demand, Saipem adopted two innovative solutions on its newdeep-water laying vessels CastorOne and FDS2. The FDS2 J-Lay system has been equipped with newcompliant pads. This innovative pad design allows the application of up to 2,000te of holding tension inboth normal laying and contingency situations, employing standard friction clamps of relatively smalldimensions. In case of a wet buckle or in a contingency flooded pipe scenario, the CastorOne S-Lay vesselhas the capability of holding and then abandoning the pipeline in a controlled and safe way by applyinga tension of 1,500te through the simultaneous use of the A&R winch, of the three tensioners and of thepipe holding indentation clamp, all rated 750te. Moreover, the CastorOne has been equipped with a nextgeneration articulated stinger capable of being adjusted either in terms of ramp angles and of roller heightsin active mode during laying, i.e. with the pipe on top of it. This innovative feature allows to change thestinger configuration in order to suit the different bending radii required when laying in shallow, deep andultra-deep waters without abandoning the pipeline, therefore saving a considerable amount of time andreducing the risks. These capabilities have been successfully tested in the deep water sea trials that tookplace before the laying of the Jack St Malo export pipeline. Such innovative technologies and equipmentrequired state-of-the-art control and management software: the Centralized Management System (CMS),the Ramp Management System (RMS) and the Pipe Lay Guidance (PLG) just to mention the mostimportant ones. The ability of the Vessel Management Team (VMT) to remotely control at any momentthe instant conditions on the vessel firing line and on the double/triple joint workshop is a unique featureensuring safe and reliable monitoring of the whole pipe construction cycle onboard. These features makethe new CastorOne and the FDS2 unique and distinctive vessels on the pipeline installation market forSteep-S/S/J laying technologies.