MDL spread carries out North Sea cable lay

MDL has deployed its portable flex-lay spread on a cable installation in the Central North Sea, UKCS.

An MDL TTS-4/180 Series Tensioner, Generation 1 Reel Drive System and 2.8m overboarding chute were mobilised on an offshore construction vessel to install a 103mm umbilical in 130m water depth.

The deployment of MDL’s newest 4-track tensioner ensured the correct squeeze parameters onto the product for optimal handling. Due to the longer-than-market-average track contact length, MDL TTS tensioner range delivers a larger operating envelope at lower squeeze values to enable safe handling of a range of products at even lower coefficient of friction (CoF).

Thanks to its pinned hub connections, the Generation 1 RDS was the optimal solution to handle the 4m OD reels, delivering safe deployment through controls integrated with the MDL tensioner.

Chris Reid, Sales Manager at MDL said:

“This project comes as another example of how versatile MDL's flexlay equipment fleet is for any flexible handling. The different systems integrate with one another to form an optimal spread for installation or retrieval of various types of products, but always delivering the same benefits of safety, efficient handling and complete control over the operation.

“We worked with the client step-by-step to tailor the spread as their requirements changed: firstly through the bidding stage, then through the subsequent project execution stages.

“That’s the personalised approach behind every MDL project: our market-leading fleet is just the beginning, as the true value comes from the engineering support and the expert field service personnel that work with the client team every step of the way.”