Hurricane Energy announces successful trial fit testing of buoy, FPSO turret at Lancaster field

LONDON -- Hurricane Energy plc, the UK based oil and gas company focused on hydrocarbon resources in naturally fractured basement reservoirs, is pleased to provide an operational update on activities related to the Early Production System at Lancaster field (Lancaster EPS).

A key project milestone has been achieved, with completion of buoy ‘dry’ trial fit testing operations by Bluewater Energy Services BV and Dubai Drydocks World, LLC.

Under the EPC contract with Bluewater, the Aoka Mizu FPSO vessel is currently undergoing repair, upgrade and life extension works at the Drydocks World yard, in Dubai. This facility is also carrying out the fabrication of the buoy which will form part of the project’s mooring system. A ‘dry’ trial fit testing operation was carried out between the buoy cone and the turret mooring system (Turret) of the Aoka Mizu. The final step in the testing sequence involved separation of the Turret from the buoy cone, which occurred on Feb. 13, 2018.

The successful completion of these operations provides a high level of confidence that the newly machined conical ring of the buoy will successfully engage with the machined receptacle of the existing Turret, during the offshore hook-up campaign for the Lancaster EPS. Thanks to careful dimensional control, and appropriate scheduling of the activities, the fit and proper functioning of the Turret locking mechanism has been demonstrated a week ahead of schedule.

As the cost and schedule consequences of an incorrect fit during offshore hook-up were a significant risk to the Lancaster EPS project, Hurricane, Bluewater and Drydocks World are delighted with the positive result. Importantly, this milestone has been achieved with an excellent safety performance.

The buoy cone will now be released for painting and to be connected to the base buoyancy structure, which has been fabricated separately from the cone. Completion and outfitting of the buoy is on schedule; it is expected to be ready to sail away from Dubai during the second quarter of 2018. Handover to the offshore installation contractor will occur on delivery at the port of Lerwick in the UK, in order to be installed during the third quarter of 2018.

The Turret of the Aoka Mizu, which was removed so that certain renovation and upgrade works could be carried out, will be reattached to the vessel as part of its continuing upgrade and life extension works. Vessel sail away from Dubai remains on schedule to take place by the end of the third quarter of 2018.