Second MCV is delivered
The Eagle Louisiana was recently completed
Formerly an Aframax tanker, Eagle Louisiana was converted by Drydocks World for Malaysian-owned AET Tanker Holdings, a global leader in petroleum shipping, which has a 20-year agreement with the Marine Well Containment Company (MWCC) for operation of the MCVs in the US Gulf of Mexico. Drydocks World said the MCVs would operate as normal tankers there and be outfitted and deployed for containment services in the event of a deepwater well-control incident.
MWCC comprises ExxonMobil, Chevron, BP, ConocoPhillips, Anadarko, Shell, Apache, Statoil , BHP Billito and Hess.
“This is a pioneering project," remarked H.E. Khamis Juma Buamim, chairman of Dubai-based Drydocks World and Maritime World. "A newly fabricated subsea containment assembly will attach to risers and other containment equipment to direct the flow of fluids to the MCVs for processing and storage."
The work scope of the shipyard included installing components such as four retractable azimuth thrusters, one tunnel bow thruster, new machinery spaces, diesel generator sets and associated tanks, auxiliaries, switchboards, and electrical distribution equipment. The main engine was modified for controllable pitch propeller (CPP) operation and a control system was added for dynamic positioning, power management and equipment monitoring. Structural support stools and foundations were added for the future installation of topsides processing modules, a turret, flare tower, communications equipment, control facilities and other miscellaneous equipment.
The ship’s systems were modified to provide services to topsides processing equipment, as well as hydraulic systems for the CPP, thrusters, cargo valve control and fire pumps. A new main deck central pipe rack was fabricated and piping was installed to support topsides processing equipment. The ship's living quarters were also upgraded to accommodate more than 65 persons. Mechanical completion, pre-commissioning, commissioning, testing and sea trials of the converted vessel were also carried out, Drydocks World said.
According to the shipyard, 2,530 tonnes of steel were used for the Eagle Louisiana project along with 19.68km of pipes and 292km of electrical cables. The MCVs will individually have 700,000 barrels of liquid storage capacity, and can process, store and offload the liquids to shuttle tankers. The process equipment will separate the liquids from gas, safely store the liquids and flare the gas. Then the liquids will be offloaded to shuttle tankers that will transport the liquids to shore.
