News

DP-vessel Normand Tonjer for inter-array installation

Date: 15/11/2010

Blue Offshore and Integrated Subsea Services have completed their feasibility study on the possible use of multipurpose DP2 vessel Normand Tonjer for inter-array cables installation on offshore wind farms. The scope of the study included development of deck layouts for cable installation and cable burial together with vessel properties, mobilisation and installation strategies. The study was carried out between October 2010 and January 2011.

The capabilities of the Normand Tonjer and its operating team have been demonstrated in the range of survey, diving and ROV services provided to renewables projects over the past year,” says David Gault, Renewables Department Manager at Integrated Subsea Services (ISS). “This study shows that the vessel could also be a cost-effective answer to the shortage of capacity for installing array cables on offshore wind farms.”

ISS is an experienced operator of DP multipurpose vessels in the offshore construction market and currently controls DP2-class vessel Normand Tonjer. The vessel has proven her multipurpose capabilities within the renewable energy sector over recent months during cable maintenance works at EMEC’s Billia Croo wave test facility and during GEMS’ geotechnical campaign at various German and UK offshore wind farm locations. Please click here for Normand Tonjer brochure.

Multipurpose DP2-vessel Normand Tonjer

For further information, please contact Mr. David Gault at Integrated Subsea Services Ltd.

Ocean Spirit House
33 Waterloo Quay, Aberdeen
AB11 5BS
United Kingdom

T: +44 1224 857 711
F: +44 1224 857 777
E: David.Gault@integratedsubsea.co.uk
W: http://www.integratedsubsea.co.uk

DP-vessel Rollingstone feasibility study

Date: 01/11/2010

Tideway, as part of the DEME-concern, has been awarded the marine and electrical works for Thornton Bank phase 2 & 3. Blue Offshore was requested by Tideway to review the possible use of their DP-vessel Rollingstone for the infield cables installation during phase 2. Phase 2 involves the installation of 24 array cables running between the wind turbine generators and also the newly-installed transformer station. The scope of work for our team involved:

Project management, including interface management
Development of vessel layout, including 3D laser scan
Review of load carrying capacity and manoeuvrability properties
Development of mobilisation and installation strategy

Blue Offshore fully registered with FPAL

Date: 01/11/2010

Blue Offshore has become fully registered with First Point Assessment Limited (FPAL). Blue Offshore has completed FPAL’s on-line questionnaire to describe our full range of products, services, capabilities and supply history. This profile is made available, on-line, to over 80 purchasing members who can interrogate this list of suppliers in order to produce a shortlist, in accordance with the EU Utilities Procurement Directives. FPAL, one of a range of supplier management services provided by the Achilles Group, works to identify, qualify, evaluate, and monitor suppliers on behalf of its purchasing members. Our FPAL Registration Number is 10052350.

Blue Offshore writes technical guide with Offshore Wind magazine

Date: 31/10/2010

Blue Offshore was asked by Offshore Wind magazine to provide them with a guide to the technical aspects of the different stages in the subsea cable installation process. The technical guide can be downloaded via this link. Offshore Wind is the first independent international magazine entirely dedicated to the offshore wind industry. The magazine provides its readers with news and background on projects, research, legislation and companies and upcoming events. Offshore Wind is published quarterly (in January, April, July and October.) For regular updates the printed magazine is supported by their online platform: http://www.offshorewind.biz. Blue Offshore would like to thank Dick Hill, Sabine Lankhorst and their team for their assistance.

Blue Offshore presentation at The Shipping Forum

Date: 21/09/2010

Blue Offshore have been presenting at The Shipping Forum in Copenhagen on 16 September 2010. We would like to thank all attendees for their attention and participation. Special thanks to Thomas Wissmann and his team! Our presentation, with ‘Back to the Future’ theme, can be downloaded via this link.

Operational partnership Titan Heavy Transport

Date: 03/08/2010

Blue Offshore and Titan Heavy Transport today signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) establishing an operational partnership. Under the MOU, Blue Offshore and Titan will collaborate across a wide range spectrum of products and services within the European offshore wind industry.

Titan Heavy Transport will assist Blue Offshore through their fleet of self propelled modular transporters and move large equipment items and large structures, including cable installation equipment. Titan Heavy Transport will also provide all engineering and skilled operating personnel associated with the heavy transportation.

“This is a real opportunity to forge strong and deeper business co-operation with our long-time business partner. Blue Offshore and Titan Heavy Transport will work closely together to enhance operations and create efficiencies. The formation of this partnership indicates the importance and commitment within both organisations to drive forward our mutual priorities,” says Titan Heavy Transport managing director Chris Taylor.

Blue Offshore Director Evert-Jan van Wijk comments: “The signing of the MOU signifies a new chapter in the co-operation between Titan Heavy Transport and the individuals of the Blue Offshore team. Titan’s fleet of SPMTs will increase the possibilities for innovative standalone and module-based solutions. It will not just strengthen and improve the scope and areas of co-operation, it will also benefit our customers from the complementary advantages of the two organisations through greater flexibility and reduced costs and risks.”

SPMT with ship section

SPMT with subsea template

Appointment Evert-Jan van Wijk as Chief Operating Officer

Date: 12/07/2010

Blue Offshore today announced the appointment of Evert-Jan van Wijk to the role of chief operating officer. Van Wijk will be responsible for the strategic leadership of Blue Offshore’s operational professionals. Van Wijk most recently served as project manager for Visser & Smit Marine Contracting at Vattenfall’s Ormonde and DONG Energy’s Walney phase 1 offshore wind farms, where he was responsible for all onshore landing and export cable pull-in operations. Before that, van Wijk served as operational vessel manager at Allseas, one of the major offshore pipelay and subsea construction companies in the world. Van Wijk’s first day at Blue Offshore will be August 1.

“I am extremely excited to have Evert-Jan join Blue Offshore’s executive team, where we will benefit immensely from his experience, proven record of success and passion for operations,” said Gerard Kroese, Director of Blue Offshore. “More than ever, Blue Offshore’s growth opportunities are a result of our strong innovative approach. Evert-Jan’s leadership of operations will help ensure we harness this potential and fully realise the growth opportunities before us.”

“I appreciate all of the opportunities that VSMC has provided to me during my career there and I’m thrilled to bring that experience to Blue Offshore. The subsea cable installation for the wind and tidal market is a very exciting environment in which I can contribute with my experience and bring the world into the renewable energy decade” said van Wijk.

Caley to design innovative basket carousel

Date: 27/06/2010

Blue Offshore and Caley Ocean Systems have announced the commencement of the design of an innovative cable installation system for delivery by Spring 2011. The system features an unique flexible modular basket carousel, which enables the carousel to have variable carrying capacities to suit the project requirements. The flexibility and modularity of the system will reduce costs and risks to customers through shorter (de)mobilisation periods, flexible cable loading schedules and allows for increased choice in cable installation methodologies.

“This is an important step forward for our new venture and we believe that this innovative solution will enable us to serve our customers with greater choice and flexibility. We are also keen to continue our relationship with Caley Ocean Systems, whom we have successfully worked with before”, says Gerard Kroese, Director of Blue Offshore. Caley Sales Director Gregor McPherson comments: “We are delighted to be given this opportunity to further develop our cable handling technology with the exciting new company. We are all looking forward to working with the Blue Offshore team in the months ahead.”

The innovative cable installation system for delivery by Spring 2011

Concept of the unique flexible modular basket carousel

Reliance Dhirubhai Umbilicals Type 0 & 1

Date: 10/05/2010

Reliance Industries’ Dhirubhai 1 & 3 Gas Fields Development is a large development in the Bay Bengal, near India, set up for the production of gas from 18 wells. During their employment with EPIC contractor Allseas, members of our team assisted with the installation of two 26.5km electro-hydraulic control umbilicals running from the landfall point to the offshore control & riser platform and two 13.5km umbilicals running from control & riser platform towards umbilical distribution hub. Read more »

Slide 05

Date: 20/04/2010