Maritime Developments Ltd (MDL) has supported Saipem’s preparation for flexlay operations in Guyana with a transpooling solution in the USA.
MDL’s 2-track tensioner package was used for the relocation of an umbilical from the quayside into the under-deck carousel on the Subsea Construction Vessel Normand Maximus. The product was destined for the Uaru field, a deepwater development in Guyana's Stabroek block.
The package was mobilised from MDL’s US equipment base in Houma, Louisiana and came complete with a bespoke grillage to interface with the existing equipment on deck while ensuring correct alignment of the product during handling.
Prior to deployment, a product squeeze test was completed with the tensioner at the Houma facility with both the test and transpooling operations overseen by MDL’s field service personnel.
Elsewhere in Guyana, MDL had previously supported lay operations in the Yellowtail field with equipment from its Winches & Lifting Solutions, also mobilised from Houma.
Kingsley Emmanuel, Uaru Installation Manager at Saipem said: “Saipem required a tensioner to support our vessel transpooling effort in the US during our vessel mobilization. MDL was able to provide a quick solution being in country with their equipment and provided a quality solution. The crew they provided were knowledgeable and professional.”
Shawn Book, VP America at MDL, said: “We take immense pride in continuing our support for Saipem in the USA, building on our strong track record of successful collaborations in West Africa and the Mediterranean – all deepwater basins presenting their own unique deployment challenges that can be addressed with MDL technology.
“Guyana is a key part of MDL’s Americas strategy and our high-capacity but low-footprint equipment, combined with over 25 years of global flexlay expertise, mean we are perfectly placed to enable new and expanding developments in the region with speed and confidence.
“Even more so with our Houma facility, where we are intentionally growing our portfolio to address the needs of the region. This transpooling scope was made possible by having our equipment available locally – which reflects how this base allows us to test and mobilise lay packages rapidly for deployment across the Gulf as well as the east coasts of both Americas.”