LDD Completes Platform Jacket Foundation Installation, Offshore Gabon

LDD, an Acteon company, has successfully finished a specialist foundation installation for the Etame Marin block field expansion project, offshore Gabon, West Africa. The company completed the very remote installation safely and on schedule.

VAALCO Gabon (Etame) Inc. is the operator of the Etame Marin block. EMAS AMC, the subsea services division of EMAS, is undertaking the block expansion project on behalf of VAALCO Gabon (Etame) Inc. and its working interest partners. LDD was awarded the foundations contract covering drilling, grouting, lifting and handling in April 2014.

LDD worked closely with EMAS AMC to install four 48-in. piles for each of the two jackets. Each pile was 140 m in length and penetrated approximately 42 m below the mudline. The companies worked off EMAS’ new flagship vessel, the Lewek Constellation.

Because of the remote working environment offshore Gabon, LDD was equipped with a large suite of spare equipment to ensure that any problem could be quickly rectified without affecting the project schedule. Additionally, replacement tools were quickly supplied through the Acteon Group.

EMAS AMC’s other work includes engineering, procuring, installing and commissioning of rigid pipelines, along with transporting and installing flexible pipelines for Etame and Southeast Etame/North Tchibala, in water depths of 80 m.

Lee Edwards, project manager, LDD, said, “For the Etame Marin block project, LDD utilised its LD2500 reverse circulation drill, which worked straight out of the box. LDD is unique in that it can pull together a range of services for jacket foundation installation under a single contract, which reduces the schedule, costs and risk for the client. The successful completion of this project further proves LDD’s capabilities as a jacket installation specialist in the offshore industry and strengthens its oil and gas portfolio.”

Tom O’Malley, senior project manager, EMAS AMC, said, “The LDD project team worked extremely well with the EMAS team on a very significant part of our Etame/SEENT platform installation. The work was executed in a safe manner and the offshore team should be commended for their work. EMAS looks forward to an opportunity to work with LDD again.”

In 2008, LDD completed drilling and grouting work for VAALCO Gabon (Etame) Inc. on the Ebouri platform.

About LDD
LDD, an Acteon company, is a specialist marine drilling and construction contractor offering a range of equipment and services associated with installing tubular casings and foundations into the seabed in the near- and offshore marine environments for the oil, gas, renewables, nuclear energy and civil and marine structure and facilities sectors. LDD offers techniques to suit a wide range of foundation and drilling challenges. Equipment is offered on a sale or rental basis. For more information, visit www.lddrill.com.

About Acteon
Acteon companies provide mooring, foundation, riser, conductor, flowline and marine electronics products and services supported by strong engineering and project management capabilities. Acteon’s companies are 2H Offshore, Aquatic, Claxton, Conductor Installation Services (CIS), Core Grouting Services, Fluke Subsea, InterAct, InterMoor, J2 Subsea, LDD, LM Handling, MENCK, Mirage Machines, NCS Survey, Offshore Installation Services (OIS), Probe Oil Tools, Pulse Structural Monitoring, Seatronics, Subsea Riser Products (SRP) and TEAM Energy Resources. For more information, visit www.acteon.com

About subsea services
Subsea services are defined as the provision of specialist equipment, services and personnel that can operate from any fit-for-purpose vessel or platform. Acteon’s subsea services offering is unique and addresses operational requirements that support oil and gas asset owners, construction and drilling companies, and vessel owners.