Maersk Supply Service has completed the tow and installation of the Ailsa floating storage and offloading (FSO) vessel at a huge gas field in the North Sea.
Total’s Culzean field is due to come online next year, and is expected to meet five percent of total UK gas demand at peak production in 2020/2021.
The final steps of the FSO installation were completed last week, around 145miles east of Aberdeen.
That followed a 12,200 nautical mile journey from a shipyard near Singapore at the start of June, with Ailsa reaching its destination two weeks ago.
The installation included putting in place twelve anchors as part of the highest-tensioned mooring system in the North Sea, weighing 723tonnes, by the Maersk Master vessel
Installation of twelve mooring chains and sheathed wires from Maersk Minder was also completed in two mobilisations.
Head of integrated solutions, Olivier Trouve, said: “This is a significant milestone for Maersk Supply Service in delivering full-scope solutions to our customers.
“Leveraging the expertise, commitment and flexibility of all stakeholders involved as one on- and offshore team was key to the safe, efficient and timely completion of this challenging project.”
Ailsa can store 430,000 barrels of condensate at a time.
Total said its construction took 12.5million man-hours.