Offshore staff
ABERDEEN, UK – Cortez Subsea and partner Alam Maritim have completed their first subsea pipeline project involving use of the Zap-Lok mechanical connector offshore Malaysia.
During the subsea pipelay campaign the highest average lay rate was 4.7 km (2.9 mi) in 24 hours, and the rigid pipelay section was completed within 20 days.
This rate is faster than the conventional welded pipelay approach, Cortez claimed, and led to cost savings for the project.
Petronas subsidiary Vestigo Petroleum developed the pipeline system for the Tembikai Non-Associated Gas development. It employs NOV-Tuboscope Zap-Lok connectors to link the rigid pipeline via diverless connections.
Cortez’s office in Kuala Lumpur managed the workscope, which included engineering, procurement, construction, installation, and pre-commissioning of the pipeline system.
In another industry first, said Alasdair Cowie, managing director of Cortez Subsea, “the rigid pipe was connected to flexible risers using a stinger-deployed diverless connector, which we brought to the market in partnership with AFGlobal. Using an ROV and a deployment frame, the connection is made from the pipeline to the host facility without the use of divers.
“A complete diverless approach reduces cost and increases safety for the team offshore and this mechanical alternative to welding results in a safer work environment, which is free from hot-work and radiography.”
