Advertorial: TLQ solutions to improve offshore efficiency

John Verdonk
Business Unit Manager Offshore Temporary Living Quarters at Seafox

In 2015 Seafox became the first company in the world to build its Temporary Living Quarters (TLQ) in line with the stringent demands of the Norwegian offshore market. And the move to invest in these new, larger and more modern TLQ is being appreciated as the company makes a breakthrough into the Norwegian market. From October, several of its TLQ ‘Nordic’ units are going to be based there.

Given the challenges of the oil & gas market at the moment, Seafox believes this first success in Norway is reflective of the industry’s need to improve efficiency. Having a more comfortable living environment is undoubtedly linked to improvements in performance and productivity.

Coupled with this, Seafox’s TLQ units can be provided at short notice and at competitive prices. The company understands that those in the offshore industry face big challenges and it wants to assist them by providing very reasonably priced TLQ, which will lead to efficiencies in their operations or while carrying out maintenance campaigns.

The new generation TLQ Nordic are suitable for worldwide use and for the harsh environments of the North Sea or the Baltic. Seafox recognises that those in the offshore and maritime world rightly expect more than a ‘floating porta cabin’ these days, with increasing demand for more modern and comfortable TLQs. All aspects of offshore welfare have been considered in this pioneering design, with the TLQ Nordic providing a real ‘home away from home feel’.

TLQ Nordic – NORSOK compliant

The TLQ Nordic units have been classified DNV 2.7-2, DNV 2.7-1 – the highest classification standard. Although the DNV 2.7-2 classification is not new in the offshore market for other equipment, Seafox is the first company to have accommodation units with this standard.

They are also built to the extremely tough NORSOK guidelines and the highest safety standards. Suited for Zone 2, the TLQ are ATEX 95 compliant, explosion proof and A60 certified. The units are equally suitable for platforms, heavy-lift ships, jack-ups or offshore vessels.

Designed as a 2-cabin, 4-person unit, they are very roomy measuring 10.2 m x 3.3 m x 3.3 m. They can also be converted into single-person rooms if required. Traditional bunk beds in each cabin have been replaced with two, spacious single beds (90x210cm). The accommodation units have an elegant, contemporary design, providing a relaxing environment for free time, which means occupants return to work refreshed and ready for their next shift.

The TLQs are linkable and can be stacked four high. Each unit has all-round LED lighting, a HVAC and sprinkler system, as well as smoke and gas detection alarms. The units are designed to limit noise and vibrations. For example, the air-conditioning system is integrated into the ceiling facilitating a significant reduction in noise and they are equipped with a powerful air filtering system. Larger windows have also been installed in line with NORSOK.

Quality was also an important consideration. The Nordic units incorporate Scandinavian design, with the window frames, doors and panels all supplied by leading Norwegian manufacturers.

Each bedroom section has a wall-mounted LED TV, Internet access, a USB adapter, individual LED lighting and headphone jacks. Privacy has been considered with blackout, privacy curtains, adaptable lighting and additional network and coaxial points.  Every occupant has their own desk, drawer unit and nightstand, as well as individual lockers.

Built in the Netherlands, the TLQ are equipped with a separate wet cell in each cabin with underfloor heating. A top quality Villeroy & Boch suite is provided and rather than the traditional shower curtain, modern glass doors are installed. A 250l hot water storage heater also means that only a cold water supply connection is required.

Internal linking corridors mitigate the time exposed to outdoor elements and cleverly designed corridor access also means it is easy to access utility service cupboards for all the various systems.

Currently, Seafox has a fleet of 38 Nordic units. Several are already deployed in the North Sea.

Cost-efficient Standard TLQ

Alongside the Nordic TLQ, Seafox provides the ever-popular Standard TLQ, which answers the need for modern, flexible, cost-efficient offshore accommodation.

These are built to comply with North Sea regulations and are suitable for worldwide use, including extreme environments. Classed by Lloyd’s Register and to DNV 2.7-1, the TLQ Standard is a reliable, proven concept that has been deployed in some of the most hostile environments for many years.

The TLQ Standard is designed for flexibility. At 6.3 m in length and 3.2 m broad, they have a relatively small footprint making them cost efficient and they only weigh 8 MT.

However, there is still ample space for four occupants in two cabins, each with a bunk bed. The Standard units are equipped with all the modern day comforts, with each occupant having a (optional) wall-mounted TV and access to the Internet. In addition to the accommodation units, Seafox can supply offices, recreation units, laundry and washing/changing rooms.

Presently, there are 60 of these units in the fleet. The Standard TLQ can be stacked three high to make maximum use of space. And their weight and size facilitate cost effective transport. They are essentially ‘Plug & Play’ and easy to hook up to any offshore installation.

For comfort and convenience, the Standard has a self-contained bathroom/wet-cell with shower, washbasin and toilet. Again, careful attention was paid to the spatial layout, making maximum use of light and a modern colour scheme provides a relaxing environment.

Seafox can also help setup the unit configuration and advise how best to maximise efficiency when linking them.

Container-sized Light TLQ

Last but not least, there is also the Light TLQ, which is the most compact unit. This container-sized TLQ weighs just 6.5MT and is the equivalent of a 20 ft ISO equivalent unit (TEU), therefore it can be shipped all over the world, providing the ultimate flexibility at minimal cost.

Built to comply with North Sea regulations, and conforming to the Lloyd’s Register Convention of Safe Container (CSC) standard, it can be transported by any shipping line.

Despite being small, the Light TLQ still has ample space for four occupants in two cabins, each with a bunk bed. Every unit has a wet cell with shower and toilet. The units can be equipped with a TV and Internet access. Ten of these units are currently in stock.

As a member of this fascinating industry, with its various ups and downs, Seafox is well aware of the magnitude of the current issues, and because of this it is determined to help its clients with flexible, efficient and competitively priced temporary accommodation solutions.

Disclosure: This article is paid for and produced by Seafox and does not necessarily reflect the view of Offshore Energy Today. No member of the editorial team took part in creation of this advertorial.