Lifting the drilling support module onto its grillage supports

Project Summary

For the transportation of the BP Mad Dog drilling support module (DSM) from Malaysia to the US Gulf,  a custom grillage was designed. This grillage supported the 2,400 t heavy module at its strong points and guided the loads into the heavy-lift vessel deck structure. After setting the module onto its grillage supports, it was seafastened to these supports, using simple brackets. The height of the support was dictated by the offloading method, which was a roll-off operation, using multi-wheel trailers. In mid December 2003, the module was successfully loaded and secured onto the heavy-lift ship Teal.

Argonautics Marine Engineering became involved in the design of the grillage only shortly before the load-out. All design drawings and supporting calculations were delivered on time and within budget.      

Scope of Work

The project scope included:

• Design of the support structures, based on the static plus dynamic design loads, vessel deck structure, and height requirements;

• Design of the lift-on guides;

• Design of the seafastening brackets;

• Provide deck lay-out drawings.

Acknowledgement

Photograph courtesy of Pride International.