Aker Kvaerner Deepwater Completes First Deep Draft Semisubmersible for Blind Faith Platform

Aker Kvaerner has successfully completed the semisubmersible hull for Chevron’s Blind Faith platform. The original engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract was awarded to Aker Kvaerner, Inc. by Chevron, with partner Anadarko, in October 2005. The semisubmersible left the Aker Kvaerner Verdal yard in Norway on 24 June 2007 and has been transported to a Gulf of Mexico integration yard to be outfitted with the topsides.

The Blind Faith platform was the first use of Aker Kvaerner’s deep draft semisubmersible (DDS) concept, which was conceived specifically for the application of steel catenary risers in the ultra-deepwater and current-heavy Gulf of Mexico environment. Evolved from the company’s decades of experience in designing semisubmersible hulls, the DDS four-column ring pontoon semi represents a strong evolution of Aker Kvaerner semisubmersible lineage.

“The successful completion of the Blind Faith semisubmersible is an important milestone for Aker Kvaerner’s deepwater business. This project provided Aker Kvaerner with the opportunity to demonstrate our ability to deliver a first-class deepwater project in a safe manner,” said Stein Rasmussen, president of Aker Kvaerner Deepwater business. “As always, we take great pride in the opportunity to work in the Gulf of Mexico.”

Committed to the Aker Kvaerner Just Care(TM) health, safety and environmental programme, the project team worked more than 1.5 million hours on the project, ensuring safety and quality at every stage of the project, especially at the construction site. The project was completed with a total accumulated total recordable incident frequency (TRIF) of 1.22. Aker Kvaerner required its own staff to follow strict HSE principles, and insisted that its vendors and subcontractors demonstrate and perform to the project HSE requirements.

Before leaving the yard for its final destination, the Blind Faith hull was named Frøya at a traditional naming ceremony at the Aker Kvaerner yard. Aker Marine Contractors managed the dry transportation of the semisubmersible to the Gulf of Mexico utilizing the HLV Tern from Dockwise as transport vessel, and will coordinate installation at its final location. Once complete, the Blind Faith platform will be located in Mississippi Canyon block 650, approximately 162 miles southeast of New Orleans, which is part of the ultra-deepwater Gulf of Mexico in 6,500 feet water depth.