Hurricane Energy plc: Boulder Relocation Works
Thursday 29 March 2018
Hurricane Energy plc, the UK based oil and gas company focused on hydrocarbon resources in naturally fractured basement reservoirs, provided an update on the requirement for boulder relocation works for the Lancaster Early Production System ("EPS") development.
In order to reduce 2018 installation and execution risk, Hurricane took the opportunity provided by prevailing market rates and vessel availability, to instruct TechnipFMC to accelerate the planned Q2 2018 boulder relocation programme into 2017. Site surveys had identified boulders in the vicinity of the proposed locations for Lancaster EPS subsea infrastructure, which required relocating. To undertake the work programme, TechnipFMC contracted the 'Far Superior' vessel and successfully completed the planned work scope in November 2017.
The results of this programme have now been reviewed by Bluewater Energy Services, as Installation Operator, and DNV GL, in their role as classification society. They have concluded that the extensive boulder relocation campaign has resulted in an acceptable seabed condition for the installation of the mooring system (taking the rocky soil condition into account). They have therefore confirmed that a further dedicated boulder relocation programme is not required prior to commencing subsea installation operations in Q2-Q3 2018. If any additional boulders are encountered during the subsea installation, these will be relocated, as required.