Aberdeen-headquartered Maritime Developments Limited (MDL) has recently made headlines by assisting Italy’s engineering, drilling, and construction services giant Saipem during crucial flex-lay preparations off the coast of Guyana.
MDL played a pivotal role in supporting Saipem’s flex-lay operations by providing a transpooling solution from the United States. Utilizing their advanced 2-track tensioner package, MDL facilitated the relocation of an umbilical from the quayside into the under-deck carousel on the Normand Maximus subsea construction vessel, a critical task in preparation for Saipem’s offshore activities.
Shawn Book, Vice President of America at MDL, expressed pride in this collaboration, stating, “We take immense pride in continuing our support for Saipem in the USA, building on our strong track record of successful collaborations in West Africa and the Mediterranean – all deepwater basins presenting their own unique deployment challenges that can be addressed with MDL technology.” He emphasized that Guyana is an essential component of MDL’s strategy in the Americas, showcasing the company’s ability to facilitate new developments rapidly and confidently with their high-capacity, low-footprint equipment.
MDL further detailed that the equipment transported was designed for the ExxonMobil-operated Uaru deepwater development, situated in Guyana’s Stabroek block. This high-tech mobilization originated from MDL’s facility in Houma, Louisiana. The equipment included a bespoke grillage that interfaced seamlessly with Saipem’s existing deck setup, ensuring proper alignment during operations.
Kingsley Emmanuel, Uaru Installation Manager at Saipem, noted the efficiency of MDL’s response, saying, “Saipem required a tensioner to support our vessel transpooling effort in the US during our vessel mobilization. MDL was able to provide a quick solution being in country with their equipment and provided a quality solution. The crew they provided were knowledgeable and professional.”
Safety and precision were paramount, as a product squeeze test was conducted with the tensioner at the Houma facility, overseen by MDL’s experienced field service personnel. Previously, MDL had also supported lay operations at the Yellowtail field using equipment from its Winches & Lifting Solutions division, further demonstrating their robust presence in offshore operations.
Book highlighted the strategic advantages of the Houma facility, stating, “Even more so with our Houma facility, where we are intentionally growing our portfolio to address the needs of the region. This transpooling scope was made possible by having our equipment available locally – which reflects how this base allows us to test and mobilise lay packages rapidly for deployment across the Gulf as well as the east coasts of both Americas.”
The Uaru project is significantly backed by MODEC’s FPSO Errea Wittu, specifically designed to operate within the Stabroek block region. ExxonMobil made a crucial final investment decision (FID) in April 2023, solidifying their commitment to the project. This development has multiple stakeholders, with ExxonMobil holding a 45% interest, supported by Hess Guyana Exploration and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana.
Positioned 200 kilometers offshore Guyana at depths of approximately 1,750 meters, the Uaru field is estimated to hold in excess of 800 million barrels of oil. The FPSO Errea Wittu is expected to produce an impressive 250,000 barrels of oil per day, alongside a gas treatment capacity of 540 million cubic feet per day, showcasing the scale and potential of this project.
On a broader scale, MDL has previously extended its expertise and operational support beyond Guyana, having successfully provided specialist equipment for Saipem’s flex-lay campaigns offshore Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Mauritania. This diverse experience underpins MDL’s commitment to excellence in various challenging marine environments.
Power Your Brand With Offshore Energy ⤵️
Take the spotlight and anchor your brand in the heart of the offshore world!
Join us for a bigger impact and amplify your presence at the core hub of the offshore energy community!