Australia: AG&P and ALE Present the Hydro Deck

An Australia-based consortium, AG&P ALE Ventures Pty Ltd., harnessing the combined expertise of both ALE and AG&P in an equal partnership, has developed through its own R&D and capital the offshore innovation, the Hydro Deck, to support major projects being executed by its clients around the world.

The Hydro Deck becomes the gateway for on-shoring modules and other infrastructure needed for complex projects. Specifically, the Hydro Deck is a transition pontoon which will work in conjunction with a modular offloading facility by enabling load-in operations for combined loads of up to 17,000 metric tonnes to take place regardless of tidal conditions. Such capability will provide considerable time and cost savings for clients and enhance reliability of the Hydro Deck’s critical mission.

The first Hydro Deck will measure fully 140m x 40m x 12m and will consist of a catamaran-type hull, using an innovative and redundant water ballast and air tank system to provide buoyancy and accommodate for large and fast tidal variations. The ballasting system will enable buoyancy control in specific areas of the pontoon and accommodate tidal levels allowing loads to be transported safely across the length of the Hydro Deck.

The first Hydro Deck has been ordered to facilitate a project in Darwin, Northern Territories.

This innovation can be used anywhere in the world where tidal conditions can cause severe delays to discharging vessels and project schedules. The Hydro Deck can also be deployed for any project where local port facilities are limited by scale or capability for a project’s specifications. In addition, the Hydro Deck can be leased to such projects to permit load-ins and can then be tugged away upon the completion of the load-in phase, reducing upfront capital expenditures and environmental footprint.

The Hydro Deck will provide a stable load-in platform which is not reliant on tidal conditions. The first HydroDeck is scheduled to be on-site at the end of 2013. Additionally, the Hydro Deck is conceived to operate in shallow or deep waters for long periods of time with strong, in-place systems to leave no impact on environmentally-sensitive areas. In addition, because it is a temporary structure, there is no need to disrupt such areas with infrastructure that is required only for a limited time.

AG&P ALE Ventures Pty Ltd. brings together the very best of ALE’s innovative design experience with AG&P’s world-class fabrication expertise. ALE has produced its designs using its team of experts and extensive knowledge of heavy load-in operations, while AG&P will work to fabricate the Hydro Deck to global health, safety and quality standards.

[mappress]

Press Release, November 27, 2012