Kaombo Norte Ultra-Deepwater FPSO Project, Offshore Angola
Offshore construction role – Deck Foreman
Offshore Angola – Total Energies
January 2018 – March 2018
Scope of work:
- 100T + Riser and Umbilical pul-in
Offshore Construction and FPSO Installation Overview
This project was delivered prior to the formation of Trinity offshore construction and reflects Karl Mulders personal experience supporting Deepwater FPSO installation Activities.
The project formed part of Major Deepwater development involving the pull-in of 18 Risers between Kaobo Norte and Kaobo Sul.
The 18 free-standing hybrid risers (FSHRs) of singlet op tension risers (STTR) typer were installed for production, gas lift, water injection. Service and gas export functions.
Deepwater FPSO Project content
The Kaobo Deepwater project (2000 Meter deep) involved riser pull-ins in the harshest of environments with no room for error.
It involved Team co-ordination with Mooring Master, Vessels and rigging crews to execute the pull-ins with precision.
Karl’s experience with good communication and co-ordination played a vital role in the success of this project which is one of the World’s largest Deepwater projects which delivers 230 000 Barrels of oil per day.
Offshore Construction Scope of Work
Offshore Deck Operations and Installation Support
Karl supported and co-ordinated riser pull-ins and ensured the Umbilical’s were installed in-line with approved procedures. The activities required precise co-ordination of vessels, winch operations and deck crew which contributed to the success of the project.
Risers and Umbilical’s
The project included riser and Umbilical’s, water injection, Production, gas, service and export lines. These activities required controlled co-ordination and rigging, winch operations and disciplined execution to manage load control and alignment during the installation.
Deepwater Installation Support
The role included supporting Deepwater installation scopes across multiple offshore interfaces. Clear communication and expertise were essential to maintaining safe execution under challenging Deepwater conditions.
Safety, Leadership and Offshore Programme Management
FPSO installation projects present significant safety and operational challenges due to vessel movement, environmental factors and complex offshore interfaces. The primary challenges were executing installations safely, co-ordinating vessels, and deck crew while maintaining full control of the overall project.
Karl’s Delivery approach focused on disciplined execution, strict compliance with offshore procedures based on his years of offshore construction experience.
Results and Project Outcomes
Offshore riser pull-ins were executed successfully contributing to the commissioning of the FPSO. The project supported the safe and controlled installation of the 100 T risers and Umbilical’s under Deepwater conditions.
If you are planning an FPSO mooring project or Riser and Umbilical pull-in campaign Deepwater installation program or offshore construction project, contact out team to discuss your offshore execution and construction requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ultra-deepwater offshore project?
Ultra-deepwater offshore projects are developments carried out in water depths typically greater than 1,000 metres. These projects involve higher technical complexity, extreme loads, and require highly experienced offshore teams.
What is an FPSO riser pull-in?
A riser pull-in is the process of pulling large-diameter risers from the seabed into an FPSO. These operations involve heavy loads and require precise offshore coordination and control.
Why are riser pull-ins considered high risk?
Riser pull-ins involve extreme weights, long lift paths, and exposure to offshore environmental conditions. Any deviation from approved procedures can introduce significant safety and operational risks.
What are steel catenary risers?
Steel catenary risers are curved steel pipelines used to connect subsea infrastructure to floating facilities such as FPSOs. They are commonly used in deepwater and ultra-deepwater developments.
Why is deck coordination critical during FPSO installation?
Deck coordination ensures lifting operations, equipment movement, and crew activities are managed safely and efficiently during complex offshore installation work.
How does ultra-deepwater experience support future FPSO projects?
Experience gained in ultra-deepwater environments demonstrates the ability to manage high-risk offshore operations and is directly applicable to future deepwater FPSO developments.