DCD Marine Cape Town working on SPS and upgrade of ultra-deepwater rig

DCD Marine Cape Town was awarded the contract by a leading global driller to carry out the SPS (special periodic survey) and upgrade on its ultra-deepwater rig.

“It is gratifying to have gained recognition for the quality turnkey service we provide, and once again our experienced project management team is working hard to ensure quick turn-around time on the ultra-deepwater rig,” comments Gerry Klos, General Manager of DCD Marine Cape Town.

“Having built up a very good relationship with this leading global driller, we understand their requirements, and go out of our way to meet them,” he adds.

The ultra-deepwater rig arrived in Saldanha Bay on the 9 November 2013, following a month of meticulous project planning on the part of DCD Marine Cape Town.

“We were very excited to greet the arrival of the ultra-deepwater rig and the team has made every effort to ensure that safety expectations are met, that the project stays within budget and on-time delivery of the vessel is achieved,” says Klos.

With quality and safety as its top priorities, the DCD Marine Cape Town team, along with this leading global drilling company, initiated a ‘Safety Day’ on 3 November 2013, where potential risks were assessed and various solutions were identified. This also helped to promote the company’s ‘One Team, One Goal’ approach and set the tone for a successful execution of the project.

“Our strong working relationship with our client was boosted by our joint Safety Day where we realised we were aligned in our company values, work ethic and approach to safety,” says Klos.

Saldanha Bay was selected as the berthing point for the ultra-deepwater rig project as the vessel would be bound for Nigeria. According to Klos, the location is ideal for the project from both a geographic and berthing point of view.

The scope of work included hull steel renewals in the pontoons and around the main deck, and renewals of various piping systems. The UWILD (Underwater Inspection In-Lieu of Dry Docking) survey was also conducted.

“Not only does Saldanha have the requisite draft for the vessel, but also the necessary infrastructure, including abnormal mobile cranes, a qualified and skilled workforce, and sufficient accommodation.”

He continues: “This project is significant in terms of local economic development – the ultra-deepwater rig being the first oil and gas project since the launch of the Saldanha Industrial Development Zone (IDZ).”

In identifying specific skills needed for the project, DCD Marine Cape Town has sought and trained local personnel, creating some much-needed employment in the area.

“DCD Marine Cape Town is looking forward once again to proving our worth in providing a full, turnkey service, on-time, on-budget and according to the highest international safety and quality standards,” Klos concludes.