DRYDOCKS World, the international service provider to the shipping, maritime, offshore, oil, gas and energy sectors, has successfully completed turret modules 1& 2 for the world’s largest floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) facility.

 

UNLOCKING RESOURCES

This innovative FLNG facility will be stationed by Shell at its Prelude gas field off the northwest coast of Australia, unlocking new essential energy resources offshore to meet growing demand. Once all six turret modules are integrated in Korea and transported to Australia, they will comprise the largest Turret Mooring System in the world, weighing over 11,000 tonnes.

For the first time at Drydocks World – Dubai, eight lines of 2 x 22 axle Self Propelled Modular Trailers (SPMT) were used to load out turret modules 1 & 2 onto the vessel Korex sailing for Korea. As one of the most powerful heavy-duty transport systems worldwide, the SPMT equipment was used to load the heavy turret components from the quay onto the barge.

“Due to the weight of the turret structures, Drydocks World’s quay strength was challenged and determined strong enough to sustain the loads of turret modules 1 and 2,” a Drydocks World statement said. “In conjunction with the advanced SPMT technology, the Mediterranean mooring manoeuvre was used with additional loadout plates in order to balance the immense operation. With the extreme size and weight to transport, Drydocks equipment and workforce maintained a safe and secure environment, successfully delivering the pioneering turret modules loadout.”

 

PRIVILEGED

Drydocks World Dubai said it was privileged to be working with SBM Offshore, Technip and Shell on such a vital element of the Prelude FLNG project. The Turret Mooring System developed by Drydocks World is pivotal to the project for its ability to anchor the FLNG facility, securing the vessel at location for the duration of production operations. The turret design will enable the FLNG facility to weathervane freely and remain stable against harsh weather conditions, including high velocity tropical cyclones. At nearly 100 m, the turret will be taller than the Big Ben clock tower in London, making it the largest turret ever completed.

The Shell Prelude FLNG will bring new energy sources to the market that will alternatively be difficult to develop and not economically viable. As the largest structure ever sent to sea, displacing as much water as a fleet of six aircraft carriers, the Prelude FLNG will produce at least 3.6 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas per year.