This is the first installation that has been carried out by the company in the North Sea; with a further two fabricated caissons completed and ready to be installed later this year.

The TSA coated 30-in. OD caisson was installed in nine sections using eight sets of GMC’s high fatigue, non-rotational caisson connectors.

According to GMC, the company’s handling and installation methodology greatly reduces the installation time over conventional installation methods. GMC provided sufficient handling tools to ensure continuous operations were maintained throughout, thereby eliminating delays normally associated with handling caisson operations.

A first for GMC in the UK, this project demonstrates the company’s competence in providing a complete fabricated caisson with connectors, dead weight support and guide nose cone, all fabricated and coated to the client’s requirements. It also demonstrated the mobilization of tools and competent personnel to carry out the critical ‘make up’ operation in connecting the caisson sections together.

The GMC solution eliminates the need for offshore welding of caissons.

Source: World Oil