Maritime Developments (MDL) has returned to the Norwegian North Sea for the third year running to support TechnipFMC tie-back campaign in the basin.

MDL’s horizontal spread, including a 4-track tensioner mounted on the client’s frame, Third-generation Reel Drive System (RDS) and deck deflectors were used for the installation of flowlines in a producing field in the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS).

In total 14 reels of product were deployed, ranging between 8.6m – 10.2m diameter.

The deck layout was a replica of the 2018 spread, which enabled 4 product reels to be mobilised on the vessel and installed on a single journey. This arrangement was possible thanks to the narrow footprint of the MDL RDS and the company’s integrated Track and Cradle system.

The compact design and MDL’s prior support in deck planning allowed for a more efficient execution of the pipelay campaign, by reducing the number of port calls required to pick up the product and drop off empty reels.

Dave Gardiner, MDL BD & Commercial Manager, said:
"Returning to the same field with the same client three years in a row is a clear testament to the successful relationship between TechnipFMC and MDL in executing North Sea SURF scopes.

"The partnership approach between the two companies allows for improvements in safety, quality and cost of subsea operations, thanks to the familiarity of both project teams with the equipment, deck plans and one another – onshore and offshore.

"We look forward to supporting TechnipFMC on further projects on both sides of the North Sea, and elsewhere in the world.”

KeyFacts Energy Industry Directory: Maritime Developments (MDL)