Transpooling FPSO mooring lines

MDL has carried out the transpooling of two polyester mooring ropes for an FPSO in South America.

The complete scope of work consisted of project engineering and onshore transpooling of 2x 2000m polyester ropes from two 5m storage reels onto two high-capacity MDL 8.6m installation reels. The operation was performed at MDL’s quayside location in Peterhead using the MDL Generation 3 Reel Drive System and a Generation 1 RDS.

MDL provided project engineering services throughout the operation, which included the development of a transpooling procedure, reel packing arrangement drawings, task plans, HAZID/HAZOP and provision of experienced MDL operators for onsite execution.

Following the transpooling, the MDL reels with the polyester product were mobilised onto a cargo vessel, ahead of shipping across the Atlantic for the mooring line replacement on the FPSO.

The installation reels were also specially selected for this follow-on scope and the expected back tension on deployment of the rope offshore. The MDL 8.6m high-capacity reinforced reels offer a tension capability of 30Te at the flange rim radius.

David Stott, MDL Project Engineer, said:
“One Team MDL is an agile team who can respond quickly to client needs – this project was a perfect example. “The enquiry came to us in April and we were mobilising the spread at the facility 6 weeks later.

“As we were finalising the reel packing arrangement in line with MDL’s standard practices, it became apparent that specific rigging was required at short notice to suit the client’s offshore installation loads. We were quickly able to establish the client’s needs, contact our suppliers and deliver the required components to site without incurring a schedule delay.

“I look forward to supporting more customers on their transpooling or SURF handling requirements with our bespoke, turnkey service.”