Balltec to support Vito subsea pipeline, riser installation
Aug. 30, 2019
(Courtesy Balltec)
The PipeLOK pipeline recovery tools and flangeless subsea PIG launchers will be rented for contingency purposes.
Offshore staff
MORECAMBE, UK – Enbridge Offshore Facilities, LLC has contracted Balltec to supply its for its PipeLOK pipeline recovery tools and flangeless subsea PIG launchers for the Vito project in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico.
The equipment will be rented for contingency purposes during subsea installation of the 18-in. oil and 10-in. gas export pipelines as well as the 14-in. and 10-in. steel catenary risers. The installation campaign is due to start in 4Q 2019.
The company’s subsea PIG launcher is said to be the world’s first diverless and flangeless launcher. It enables the dewatering of pipelines from a cut section of pipe without the need of any additional fixtures.
The Vito field is about 150 mi (241 km) south of New Orleans, in water depths up to 4,000 ft (1,219 m).
Located over four blocks in the Mississippi Canyon area, the Shell-operated Vito development will consist of a semisubmersible floating production unit and eight subsea wells with deep (18,000 ft) in-well gas lift. First oil is scheduled for 2021.
