WHEATSTONE SGS TRANSPORTProject SummaryFor the development of the Chevron-operated Wheatstone Project, a large steel gravity structure (SGS) needed to be transported from its fabrication yard in South Korea to the offload location near Dampier. The TPI Mega Line owned semi-submersible heavy-lift ship MEGA PASSION was selected for this transport. Argonautics Marine Engineering, Inc. was hired by the transportation company to provide project management and engineering for this challenging transport. In July 2014, the 35,000 t heavy SGS was successfully floated over its cribbing and loaded onto the reinforced deck of the MEGA PASSION. After loading, the SGS was secured with custom designed seafastenings, while the SGS was completed by the yard. Upon completion, the transport left Okpo with destination Dampier. Upon arrival in Australia, the seafastenings were removed and the heavy-lift ship ballasted down to float-off the SGS. Using winch wires and project tugs, the SGS was successfully offloaded and handed over to Heerema Marine Contractors for the tow to site and installation on the sea bottom. A Chevron Progress video on the Wheatstone Project including this transport can be viewed here. Scope of WorkThe project scope included: All aerial photographs courtesy of Chevron Australia Pty Ltd. |