YANTAI Raffles Shipyard launched its first so-called ESV (elevating support vessel) for Remedial Offshore when the unit was winched over rollers on to a launching barge.
Remedial’s innovative ESV design is optimised for well intervention in water depths to 100m (325ft) and Remedial ESV Guardian is, in fact, the second such vessel built for the company.
The design combines the capabilities of a jack-up platform, an ocean-going vessel, a workover drilling rig, heavy-lift cranes and an offshore accommodations platform in a single unit. It is capable of transit speeds of 6-7 knots and is fitted with a dynamic positioning system for use when deploying its support legs.
The project uses what is apparently an industry-first design that allows elevated operations of up to 55ft away from the well structure. The ESV has 1,060sq m of available deck area for equipment rig-up, combined with a 280-ton pedestal crane mounted on a moveable structure. There is also accommodation for up to 120 personnel.
The Guardian will now be moored to enable completion of installation and commissioning of the jacking system. The next stagewill be to move the unit alongside Yantai Raffles’ 2,000-ton shipyard crane and complete the jack-up leg installation process while continuing to outfit the vessel with pipes and cables.