Scotland-headquartered engineering and design company T12 Engineering has recently marked a significant milestone by completing its assembly and shipment of a gravity-based subsea structure (GBS) to Norway. This project is described by the company as one of its largest achievements to date.
The comprehensive project was overseen by T12 Engineering and involved the intricate design, fabrication oversight, assembly, and eventual shipment of a subsea support structure. Measuring a footprint of 59 square meters, the project was executed under an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract, a testament to T12’s versatile and robust operational capabilities.
Designed as a modular system, the GBS was engineered for cost-effective transportation within standard shipping containers. This thoughtful design approach emphasizes adaptability and future reuse, allowing application across various subsea projects in diverse environments.
Before shipment, the 60-ton GBS was fully assembled at the quayside. Once completed, it embarked from the Port of Immingham, destined for installation in the Norwegian Sea. The structure, developed for an unnamed independent Norwegian oil and gas operator, showcases T12 Engineering’s commitment to meeting client needs effectively.
Throughout all phases, from concept through detailed design and fabrication, T12 Engineering collaborated closely with its fabrication partner. This collaborative approach helped to optimize manufacturability, material efficiency, and cost control—all while adhering to stringent regulations associated with subsea deployments.
Graham Melroy, Director at T12 Engineering, shared his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “The successful assembly and shipment of the GBS is a major achievement for everyone involved and represents one of the largest projects T12 Engineering has delivered.” He highlighted the comprehensive involvement of the team at every project stage as a source of pride.
The GBS is intended to support critical subsea equipment in a challenging offshore environment. Developed meticulously to meet the specified technical, operational, and commercial requirements of the client, the structure is not just functional—it also emphasizes long-term reliability. Impressively, the project recorded zero lost time injuries (LTIs), reflecting the high safety standards maintained throughout engineering, fabrication, assembly, and loadout activities.
Once installed, the GBS is expected to comply fully with the operator’s internal quality assurance and health, safety, and environmental (HSE) requirements, alongside relevant DNV and NORSOK standards. T12 Engineering has also prepared a thorough documentation and smart data package, ensuring full traceability throughout each phase of design, fabrication, and testing.
The completion of this GBS not only highlights T12 Engineering’s capabilities in managing complex subsea infrastructure projects but also marks a strategic step in the company’s expansion in Norway. With offices located in Teesside, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Oslo, T12 Engineering is well-positioned to meet the evolving demands of the oil and gas sector.
Melroy emphasized the significance of Norway as a market for T12: “Norway is a strategically important market for T12, and the recent opening of our Oslo office strengthens our ability to work closely with operators and partners in the region.” He underscored that delivering a project of this scale for a Norwegian client is a pivotal milestone in expanding T12’s international footprint.