Janu
ary
2013
page 3
page 8Strong growth potential for broader Boskalis Offshore
page 5Busy salvage caseload following groundings
page 10Subsea Services active
around the globe
page 4Core towage business steady
in european ports
page 12SMIT Amandla Marine expands
business in Mozambique
More
Taklift 4 installed a series of 12 modules on to FPSO Cidade de Paraty, in Brazil.
Going forward 2
SMIT Towage fleet in Brazil continues to expand 3
Finding a place of refuge 7
Taklift 4 returns to Brazil 9
Wind energy generates transport workload 9
Windparks and FPSOs feature in marine contracting workload 10Two new anchor handling
tugs to join fleet
A SMIT tug providing assistance in the port of Gladstone, Australia.
SMIT tugs assisting a tanker in Angra dos Reis, Brazil.
We achieved a major goal during the second
half of 2012 - the completion of the Boskalis
SMIT integration, together with the physical
relocations required during this process. All
activities, except SMIT Towage Northwest
Europe that continues to operate from its
Rotterdam base in the Waalhaven, moved to
the Boskalis headquarters in Papendrecht.
SMIT Salvage and SMIT's towage activities
will maintain their organisational structure
and brand name. The other three SMIT busi-
nesses, Transport & Heavy Lift, Subsea and
Marine Projects now form part of a new
division under the brand name Boskalis
Offshore. Smit Lamnalco is now housed in
the premises in the Waalhaven. The new
organisation enjoyed an early success in its
new home, with the award of new contracts
in Iraq and Papua New Guinea.
With our strategy for further progress finalised,
we entered the New Year in excellent spirits.
With regard to our towage activities, our deci-
sions have been guided by a straightforward
principle: businesses not requiring significant
corporate input and support need not be
based at Papendrecht. We operate at ports
across the world and these businesses are, in
effect, operations controlled very effectively at
regional, national and local level.
In contrast, a number of other activities, like
marine contracting and wreck removal opera-
tions, are more complex and can involve sub-
stantial commitment of the Group’s multi-dis-
ciplined expertise.
This also applies to the group’s new offshore
division, Boskalis Offshore, which is responsible
for the group’s offshore oil and gas and renew-
able energy activities. The division embraces
both Boskalis’ existing oil and gas related activ-
ities - such as pipeline intervention, or more
specifically dredging, trenching and protection
of pipelines - and the three former SMIT busi-
ness units: Subsea, Transport & Heavy Lift and
Marine Projects. Transport and Heavy Lift, by
way of example, is now reinforced by the wide
range of technical, engineering, estimating
and other expertise available.
In support of the objectives Boskalis defined
regarding its activities in the oil and gas
markets an investment programme was
started that has resulted in an expansion of
specialised equipment. These new additions
concern for example the new fallpipe vessel
Rockpiper, delivered in 2012, two newbuild
100 tbp anchor handlers, to enter service soon,
and the acquisition of two more anchor han-
dlers, equipped with 180 tbp.
We also intend to further broaden our mari-
time services offering to the offshore energy
market. A very important development in
this respect is Boskalis’ offer for Dockwise. The
acquisition of the large Dockwise fleet of semi-
submersible heavy transport vessels would
significantly enhance Boskalis’ position in the
market for major transport and installation
projects.
The business visionWe are forging ahead with the Boskalis’ busi-
ness vision, which is to be recognised as a
leading dredging, marine contracting and
services provider for the infrastructure, energy
and ports sectors. In pursuing this vision, we
continue to offer our clients solutions these are
based on enhanced added value.
Equally, we recognise the value of the SMIT
brand, with its global reputation for excel-
lence in the towage and salvage sectors. These
businesses will continue to operate under the
banner of SMIT Salvage and SMIT Towage.
Towage operations remain steadyDuring the past half-year SMIT Towage has
continued to operate in a generally stable
market environment, although there is some
variation region to region. Taken overall, ton-
nage volumes show little variation. The broad
trend here is far fewer vessel calls by ever
larger ships. We are responding by bringing in
new tugs with higher bollard pulls.
Busy start 2013 for SMIT Salvage SMIT Salvage was off to a busy start of the
year, with the award of a LOF contract for the
salvage of drilling unit Kulluk. The platform-
grounded off the Alaskan coast after it had
lost its towing line in severe weather condi-
tions. SMIT Salvage organised an immediate
response, successfully refloated the platform
and towed the Kulluk to a safe location for fur-
ther assessment.
SMIT Salvage continued to provide global
emergency response services during the
second half of 2012 for a number of ves-
sels. The notable casualty salvage operations
included the response to the explosion and fire
on board the container vessel MSC Flaminia.
During the second half, SMIT Salvage also com-
pleted the Hyundai 105 project, a major wreck
removal in Indonesian waters.
New Boskalis Offshore divisionThe Boskalis Offshore division looks forward to a
busy 2013, amongst others with two recent con-
tract awards. Business unit Subsea Contracting
was awarded in joint venture a contract by the
international energy company Statoil for various
rock installation works in the North Sea and the
Norwegian Sea. Boskalis Offshore will prepare
the seabed for the installation of pipelines and
other structures on the sea floor as well as the
installation of post-lay rock berms.
In addition, Boskalis Offshore has been
awarded a subsea contract for the Dan Bravo
Rationalisation (DABRAT) project for Maersk
Oil in the Danish section of the North Sea. The
project involves both the preparation and
construction work to the Dan A and Dan B
offshore oil production facilities. Two diving
support vessels, Protea and Constructor, will be
deployed to execute this subsea work that will
take place in 2013 and 2014.
Boskalis Offshore - Subsea Services (previ-
ously Subsea) enjoyed a good second half
year, with significant growth in its activities in
the North Sea and elsewhere in North West
Europe. The DSVs Protea and Constructor were
heavily utilised. In addition, Smit Komodo was
re-deployed from Asia to Europe for Boskalis
Hirdes’ project work.
The increasing activity level seen in Subsea
Services’ European work portfolio has been
enhanced by the availability of our new Work
Class ROVs.
Turning to the Division’s business unit Marine
Services (previously Transport & Heavy Lift),
they saw the acquisition of two large anchor
handlers, now operating as Union Princess and
Union Sovereign, in the second half of 2012.
These vessels, ideal for deployment in the oil
and gas sector, have already received positive
market acceptance.
As for the heavy lifting activities, the sheerlegs
fleet enjoyed a strong final quarter. Taklift 4
was busy in Brazil and Taklifts 6 and 7 were
occupied in the European region. In Asia, the
demand for sheerlegs services remains high.
Boskalis Offshore’s Marine Contracting (pre-
viously Marine Projects) activities also saw a
busy last six months. The closing months of
last year were demanding, with preparations
under way for the West of Duddon Sands
offshore wind project in the Irish Sea. This
involves seabed preparation works and the
transport and installation of 108 wind turbines.
The contract involves Boskalis Offshore and
Volker Construction International. The forward
work programme for Marine Contracting activ-
ities also includes the MODEC FPSO installa-
tion, in Brazilian waters, and the installation of
another FPSO in northern UK waters.
We are eager to build on positive market indi-
cators and, in particular, Boskalis Offshore’s
new and much broader offering of maritime
services. We are seeking substantial growth in
the oil and gas sector – our efforts here now
reinforced by our integrated expertise, all
based together in Papendrecht.
This will be the last issue of “TUG Magazine” in its
current format. We will now devise new means
of keeping you up-to-date with our news, in
ways which reflect the new organisational struc-
ture. Above all else, we look forward to continu-
ing to deliver excellence to our clients.
Frank Verhoeven
Chairman, SMIT
GOING FORWARD
On Tuesday 20 November 2012, newly
built Smit Seraya was launched at Guijing
Shipyard in China. The Smit Seraya is one of
two new anchor handling tugs (AHT) cur-
rently under construction. The vessels are
now being finalised to join the fleet in the
coming month. Smit Seraya is scheduled for
delivery in April 2013 and sister vessel Smit
Sentosa will enter service this February.
Both 100 tbp newbuildings are anchor han-
dling tugs, but the 32 ton crane, FiFi 1 unit,
and extended accommodation for 24 persons,
make that the vessels are very versatile. In
addition to deployment for anchor operations,
they are also are well-equipped for salvage
activities, including emergency response, and
the support of pipelay operations and con-
struction barges.
TWO NeW ANchOR hANDlING TuGS TO jOIN FleeT
Taken overall, business levels in 2012 were
stable for SMIT Harbour Towage opera-
tions beyond Europe. At the same time, the
challenges in the container sector, arising
from declines in volumes from China and
elsewhere in the Far East, are likely to per-
sist over the next six to 12 months. Today’s
shipping environment is characterised by
the prevailing trend - fewer calls by larger
vessels.
The bulk sector was stable in 2012, although
levels were still some way from those seen in
2007. The major Asian economies continue
to display growth. China leads the way, with
growth in tonnage well above five per cent.
The Japanese and Australian markets are
stable. In the latter case, however, volumes of
coal and iron ore are still on the increase. In
South America, volumes are still growing in
Brazil.
Brazil is a core business area for SMIT Towage
and other SMIT and Boskalis activities. The
Brazilian market has been galvanised by the
phenomenal success of this country’s oil and
gas sector. Looking at the Brazilian ports, gen-
eral cargo volumes are still on the increase,
although the vigorous rate of growth enjoyed
in recent years may slow somewhat. SMIT’s
Brazilian fleet continues to expand. The first in
a series of six new 45 tonnes bollard pull tugs
arrived in December. The remaining five will
join the fleet at a rate of one per month until
May. This will increase SMIT’s Brazilian tug fleet
from 18 to 24 units (plus an additional three on
bareboat charter). The four “frontrunners” still
operating in Brazil will be phased out during
the first half of this year.
New business for Smit lamnalcoThe Smit Lamnalco terminals business
began operating from its new base at SMIT’s
Waalhaven building, Rotterdam, during the
final weeks of 2012. Location at Waalhaven is
already maximising the synergies between
the integrated SMIT Terminals and Lamnalco
businesses.
The year ended on a promising note, with
the award of two new contracts for Smit
Lamnalco. A 10-year LNG terminal support
contract in Papua New Guinea was awarded.
The second is a three-year support contract
for an Iraqi oil export facility, commencing
this month (January). A fleet of 10 vessels is
required for the Iraqi contract, calling for the
support of oil export SPMs. Two new Damen
3213 tugs will join the fleet for this contract.
SMIT TOWAGe FleeT IN BRAZIl cONTINueS TO eXPAND
3
tug magazine
The second half of 2012 unfolded in much
the same way as the first six months for
SMIT’s towage operations in Europe. In
Rotterdam-Europoort, business was steady
in the core areas of bulk carrier and con-
tainership movements, with the second
half encouraging in terms of the number of
“specials” assisted. This was a period when
many platforms and jack-ups were involved
in maintenance and drydockings.
In Zeebrugge - where SMIT secured a new,
seven-year concession for harbour towage at
the end of 2011 - there were signs of revival
in the LNG sector. Yet, taken overall, LNG in
Europe remains under pressure, given strong
demand in Japan. Equally, the signs of recovery
now evident at Zeebrugge are also reflected,
to some extent, by improved LNG throughputs
in Rotterdam.
In the container sector, both Zeebrugge and
Antwerp suffered somewhat due to the decline
in Asian markets. At the same time, business
levels at Liverpool held firm during the second
half, boosted by the additional activity linked
to offshore projects and associated barge traf-
fic. In response, a sixth tug reinforced SMIT’s
Liverpool fleet until the end of the year.
New operational structureRecent new developments in SMIT’s har-
bour towage operational management in
Europe have reduced the number of SMIT
Coordination Centres (SCCs) from three to two.
The remaining SCCs are located at Antwerp
and Rotterdam. The latter is now also responsi-
ble for the operational management of activi-
ties at Terneuzen, Flushing and Ghent.
These streamlined control arrangements pro-
vide more efficient despatch over the entire
operational region, which is now managed as
a single port area. The focus on Antwerp and
central Rotterdam, as control centres, marks
the first step towards the creation of a single
virtual management centre from these bases
- each handling business at any of the region’s
ports as a matter of course and in a seamless
manner.
There have also been changes in SMIT’s
towage fleet composition in Europe. These
follow on from the addition of the two
Singapore-built, 85 tonnes bollard pull tugs
Smit Emoe and Smit Kiwi. Both are now
working at Zeebrugge. These tugs were
named at a joint ceremony at Zeebrugge on
September 29. Their arrival freed the Union
Emerald and Union Ruby for deployment else-
where in North West Europe, triggering various
re-deployments introducing more power-
ful tugs. Furthermore, a bareboat-chartered
Damen 3213 tug has joined the Zeebrugge
fleet, which now consists of the 96 tonnes
bollard pull tugs Smit Lion and Smit Tiger, the
Smit Emoe and Smit Kiwi and the 65 tonnes
bollard pull Union Coral and Union Pearl.
There have also been changes in training
arrangements for SMIT Harbour Towage tug
crews in Europe. This is now focused entirely
on simulator facilities in Antwerp, which are
used to train tug crews and pilots.
The two 320 degrees simulators will train
SMIT’s new generation of tug Captains. These
simulators provide training on all tug types
now operating in the SMIT Fleet.
cORe TOWAGe BuSINeSS STeADY IN euROPeAN PORTS
A series of vessel groundings produced a
run of Lloyd’s Open Forms for SMIT Salvage
during the second half of 2012. They
involved a number of cases in the Asian
region, including the 735 TEU container
vessel Conmar Cape. This vessel grounded
in the Philippines, in the Subic Bay area.
This 2002-built, German-owned vessel
grounded during early November. A SMIT
Salvage team responded and, upon arrival,
found the casualty sitting on rocks and heavily
damaged. The team managed to refloat her by
a combination of retrimming and reballasting,
without the need for lightering. This project
was brought to a successful conclusion in asso-
ciation with local partner Malayan Towage &
Salvage.
Other Asian cases include the Petrobras tanker
Itaperuna, aground at the Isle of Bintang, in
Indonesian waters adjacent to Singapore. A
response was organised on commercial terms.
This vessel had just left drydock when she had
the misfortune to strike a rock pinnacle. This
caused substantial bottom damage, including
a large gash, 18 m long by up to 2 m wide.
This casualty was in ballast and at anchor, with
internal spaces – including the engineroom –
flooded. The vessel was retrimmed, stabilised
and redelivered at Singapore on October 29,
nine days after the commencement of salvage
work.
A third Asian case concerned the 30,000 dwt,
double-hulled product tanker Prathiba
Cauvery, which was at anchor off the Indian
port of Chennai when the grounding occurred.
The tanker dragged her anchors in a Monsoon
storm and was eventually driven onto the
beach.
A Salvage Master and team soon arrived on
site and carried out an initial inspection. There
was a great deal of ballast within the casualty
and the generators and other systems could
not be activated. Ballast was discharged by
gravity and by the use of four powerful sub-
mersible pumps.
This LOF service was performed by SMIT India
Marine. The 1981-built vessel was refloated
with the assistance of a chartered tug of 200
tonnes bollard pull. The casualty, which lacked
anchors at that point, was controlled after the
refloating by an Indian Emergency Towing
Vessel. The Prathiba Cauvery was redelivered in
the port of Chennai.
Elsewhere in the world, responses included
assistance for the grounded 500 TEU container
feeder vessel Vega Sagittarius. Having just
departed the port of Nuuk, Greenland, she
ran aground on August 16 and breached all
double bottom tanks. The grounding occurred
within one hour of High Water. The salvage
team – from Houston and Rotterdam – discov-
ered that the casualty was sitting on multiple
rock pinnacles and had a six degrees list. Her
stern was in deep water but her unsupported
bow extended well above the low water mark.
Logistics was an important issue during this
operation. Air connections to Greenland are
via Copenhagen, yet SMIT’s team arrived
within 24 hours of the grounding. Equipment
was flown into the nearest suitable airport and
then trucked across Greenland to Nuuk.
Vega Sagittarius was a new vessel, delivered
in 2012. The casualty’s position was precarious
and her condition was deteriorating rapidly.
Refloating would be challenging. Calculations
revealed that a full discharge of cargo, coupled
with the selective pressurisation of breached
spaces, ballast discharge and external pull
force, would be required to free this casualty.
The remote location of the grounding site
was another challenge. Nevertheless, a major
response was organised and a powerful tug
(175 tonnes bollard pull) was mobilised from
West Europe. Fortune smiled on this opera-
tion, which began to unfold during a period
of unusually benign weather. The casualty’s
own gear was used to discharge containers to
a local barge, which made a “shuttle run” to a
reception area in the port. The boxes had to
be moved to the casualty’s stern - where the
barge had sufficient water to go alongside. The
casualty was refloated on August 29 and rede-
livered the next day.
Refloatings at mid-year included the 175,000
dwt capesize bulk carrier Flash, which
grounded in Tunisian waters. The vessel went
aground on a rocky outcrop off the island
of Galite, breaching several ballast tank.
Subsequently, the engineroom flooded. Flash
was on a voyage from Hampton Roads, in the
USA, to Taranto, Italy, with a cargo of 165,000
tonnes of coal.
A Salvage Master and an advance team arrived
on scene, together with a support tug mobi-
lised from Italy. SMIT Salvage local partners
OMMP also participated in this response. It
was obvious, from the first, that an substan-
tial part-discharge of the coal cargo would be
required, if refloating was to be achieved. Work
began promptly. A tanker arrived on scene to
take off bunkers. A small, geared combi car-
rier, the Veelerdiep, began taking off cargo. A
second lightering vessel, the HR Constellation,
was also involved in the part-discharge, fol-
lowed by the larger, 70,000 dwt geared vessel
Barkal. In total, some 70,000 tonnes of coal was
offloaded, with simultaneous and careful bal-
lasting keeping the casualty stable as the oper-
ation progressed. A refloating was achieved
with the assistance of large pumps, installed
in hold no. 4 following discharge of this space.
The availability of an empty hold was essential
for ballasting amidships.
When the large bulk carrier floated free, the
powerful tug Union Manta was on hand to
control her. This tug was later succeeded by
the Union Princess. In addition, a Turkish tug
attended on-scene, acting as a salvage support
platform. The refloating was achieved in early
August and the Flash was redelivered three
weeks later.
BuSY SAlVAGe cASelOAD FOllOWING GROuNDINGS
The SMIT Coordination Centre (SCC) in Rotterdam is now also
responsible for the operational management of activities at
Terneuzen, Flushing and Ghent.
Newly built tugs Smit Emoe and Smit Kiwi entered service in
Zeebrugge last September.
Harbour tug Smit Schelde assisting a tanker in the port of Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Bulk carrier Frontier Oasis assisted by SMIT tugs at arrival in the port of Rotterdam, Netherlands.
SMIT tugs provide assistance to Heerama's
Balder in the Europoort, Netherlands.
A major response was organised to refloat the grounded con-
tainer feeder vessel Vega Sagittarius off the Greenland coast.SMIT's powerful AHTS vessel Union Manta took part in the
salvage of bulk carrier Flash.
SMIT Salvage refloated tanker Prathiba Cauvery
that had grounded in severe weather conditions.
Cargo and bunker oil were discharged during the salvage of grounded bulk carrier Flash.
5
tug magazine
colophonFor any information about specific activities,
equipment and services, please apply to:
Department Corporate Communications
Rosmolenweg 20
P.O. Box 43
3350 AA Papendrecht
Tel + 31 78 696 90 00
E-mail [email protected]
Editor
Department Corporate Communications
Texts
TRS Public Relations
Department Corporate Communications
Design & production
Studio Clarenburg, Schiedam
Photography
Roderik van Nispen
Peter de Haas
Aerolin
Various colleagues
Printing
Scheffer Drukkerij, Dordrecht
Copyright
Texts can only be reproduced after
permission from the editor.
Last year saw two shipboard fire cases
which served to highlight the continuing
difficulty faced by salvors when seeking a
place of refuge for ship casualties.
The first operation, which ran from March to
June 2012, concerned the chemical tanker
Stolt Valor. The vessel suffered a midships
fire and explosion whilst proceeding in the
Arabian Gulf. This was a substantial Lloyd’s
Open Form salvage involving five tugs, special-
ised firefighting equipment and a strong sal-
vage team, including a marine chemist.
The Stolt Valor fire was extinguished and the
environmental threat was much reduced by
the removal of bunkers. The casualty was then
prepared for the ship-to-ship transfer of two
chemical parcels. This was undertaken safely in
adverse circumstances, despite the casualty’s
weakened hull.
Concerns over hull integrity gave the search for
a place of refuge great urgency. SMIT Salvage
set up a special team to identify and negoti-
ate for a suitable refuge. The casualty was in
the middle of the Arabian Gulf and the Salvage
Master’s preferred destination was Bahrain. It
was over one month after completion of the
discharge of cargo (and many modifications to
the passage plan and supporting calculations)
before conditions were met and the Stolt Valor
was eventually allowed to enter Bahrain and
dock at the ASRY Shipyard.
Saving MSc FlaminiaThe second case involved the 6,732 TEU
German-owned containership MSC Flaminia.
Here, the task of securing a place of refuge
proved even more challenging. The saga
began on July 14, when an explosion took
place and the vessel caught fire.
SMIT Salvage and Fairmount Marine fought the
fire. Three tugs were mobilised on the day of
the explosion.
The presence of dangerous cargo made for
a difficult, protracted firefighting operation.
With the fire contained and structural integrity
assessed and confirmed, the onward voyage to
a safe refuge continued – but where?
Eventually, MSC Flaminia was safely deliv-
ered at Wilhelmshaven, where she arrived on
September 10, but not before some intensive
negotiations with various governments con-
cerning the need for shelter and, ultimately,
entry. The issues here included the casualty’s
draft, weather restrictions, the potential for
pollution, the maintenance of safe atmo-
spheres and, of course, berth availability.
The administrations involved in these dis-
cussions included the Irish Republic, the UK,
France, The Netherlands, Belgium, Spain,
Portugal and, eventually, Germany. The
MSC Flamina emergency happened in mid-
ocean. Clearly, the challenge of gaining entry
at a location where the accident occurs is
quite different from a situation where the acci-
dent happens far from territorial waters, yet
successful resolution depends on the ability to
enter a place of refuge.
These cases underline the importance of the
salvor’s experience in leading the search for
shelter and refuge. This requires expertise and
tact when dealing with concerned govern-
ments and agencies, together with regional
and local authorities. In some cases ,such as
the Flaminia, this may involve the establish-
ment of a dedicated, expert unit within the
SMIT Salvage organisation, to manage the dis-
cussions and ensure that the salvage operation
is brought to a successful conclusion.
FINDING A PlAce OF ReFuGe
Response to shipboard firesSMIT teams responded to several ship fires
in the August/September period. One case
involved the newly-converted FPSO ARC II/
Cidade de Itajai, off Singapore. Fire broke out
in the engineroom during sea trials. SMIT’s
Singapore base responded as the crew aban-
doned the FPSO. The fire was brought under
control and then extinguished during the
following day. With her draft returned to port
level, the FPSO was towed and escorted by
five tugs back to the shipyard, where she was
redelivered.
The second fire case concerned the cable layer
Chamarel, which suffered an engineroom fire
whilst off the Namibian coast. The fire spread
rapidly and burnt out the accommodation. The
crew abandoned the vessel, which then drifted
ashore at a remote location (some 200 km
north of Walvis Bay).
The operation to remove the environmental
threat from this casualty was undertaken by
SMIT’s base in Cape Town, reinforced by a team
from Rotterdam. The oil was pumped to a
buffer tank on board, then to a reception blad-
der ashore and was ultimately transferred to
road tankers. At the time of writing, technical
investigations were under way, to explore the
best way to remove the vessel from the beach.
Other salvage/support operationsThe more unusual tasks undertaken by SMIT
Salvage in recent months included the pump-
out of two of New York’s deepest subway sta-
tions, following Tropical Storm Sandy. The work
was carried out in association with SMIT’s part-
ner, Donjon.
In South America, a difficult oil removal opera-
tion was undertaken at Sao Luis, where the
Korean-owned jack-up construction platform
Sep Orion capsized alongside a jetty exten-
sion (designed to accommodate 400,000 dwt
vessels).
The quantity of oil inside was relatively small,
amounting to around 30 m3 , but the difficul-
ties of removal were immense, due to zero
visibility and very strong currents at the site.
Diving was limited to a maximum of just 30
minutes on the neaps. This contract included
inspection, reporting, the recovery of the oil
and other pollutants and stabilisation (Sep
Orion had suffered a broken leg).
Stabilisation was achieved by tying back the
leg to the main structure. In the meantime,
the scope of work was expanded with debris
recovery as well. At time of writing, SMIT
Salvage has also started preparations for the
mobilisation of specialised equipment to
remove the platform.
Emergency Towing Vessel (ETV) Smit Amandla came to the aid of a vessel that grounded on Clifton beach, South Africa.
SMIT Salvage successfully completed the wreck removal of sunken car carrier Hyundai 105, Indonesia in 2012.
A fire-fighting operation in the Arabian Gulf, off Bahrain.
SMIT Salvage came to the rescue of MSC Flaminia that had
suffered an explosion on board.
7
tug magazine
Offshore energy is a core market for
Boskalis. The expansion of activities in this
sector – oil and gas and renewable energy –
is already under way, under the banner of
a new and much broader-based Boskalis
Offshore.
In addition to Boskalis’ existing offshore activi-
ties for the energy sector, the new Boskalis
Offshore division now also includes the three
former SMIT businesses Subsea, Transport &
Heavy Lift and Marine Projects. All are now
based together at Boskalis’ Papendrecht head-
quarters. It is Boskalis Offshore’s ambition to
become widely recognised as a first class off-
shore services provider and to be accepted as a
highly capable lead contactor in its own right.
Boskalis Offshore now provides comprehen-
sive seabed and surface-based contracting
services for the oil and gas industry, for assign-
ments ranging from pipelay (trenching, back-
filling, rock-dumping and free-span correction)
to platform installation, the installation of
floating units (such as FPSOs and SPMs) and
decommissioning projects. Another impor-
tant area of activity, under the new and larger
division, is the IRM and light construction work
undertaken by subsea specialists.
Renewable energy is also a significant market,
with businesses within Boskalis Offshore now
offering packages for major wind park projects,
from cable lay to foundation installation.
Over the next few years Boskalis Offshore will
continue to develop its profile as a reliable
main contractor for offshore energy projects,
offering all the necessary know-how, capa-
bilities and assets within the Group. The aim
here is to grow a portfolio of main contractor
projects as today’s majors move increasingly
into deeper water and more challenging envi-
ronments. One recent step forward, unfolding
at the time of writing, is the Boskalis offer for
Dockwise. The addition of the Dockwise fleet
of 25 semi-submersible heavy transport vessels
would position Boskalis as a front-runner for
very large transportation and installation pro-
jects worldwide.
Moving forwardBoskalis Offshore is building on its early experi-
ence of integrated working from its new base
on the second floor at Papendrecht. This has
shortened lines of communication and made
for more efficient sharing of knowledge and
networks. This means more effective deploy-
ment of the vessels and other assets. The focus
for development embraces all six Boskalis core
markets: Europe, West Africa, Brazil, the Middle
East, South East Asia and Australia.
This is an exciting period at Boskalis Offshore.
The new synergies have brought forth a new
spirit - visible in the division’s approach to
current projects and challenges. One example
is Ichthys – a gas export pipeline develop-
ment for Saipem in the Browse Basin, Darwin,
Australia. The scope of work - to be executed
over the 2013-15 period - involves an 18 km
pipeline trench, a 3,000 m pipe pull for the
landfill and the installation of rock protection.
Boskalis Offshore’s comprehensive subsea IRM
capability was highlighted last year, with the
extensive work programme successfully com-
pleted for Maersk Oil. This involves some 40
offshore platforms and associated infrastruc-
ture. The project teams completed around
4,000 distinct inspection tasks, requiring air,
saturation diving and ROV services. Three
diving support vessels participated: Smit
Komodo (ROV support); Constructor (SAT
diving); and EDT Protea (air diving).
Notable projects to be tackled by Boskalis
Offshore include the major West of Duddon
Sands wind energy development in the Irish
Sea. This requires the transport and installation
of 108 turbine foundations, including seabed
preparation and scour protection. The trans-
port phase alone involves 22 voyages from
the fabrication yard at Aalborg, Denmark, to
Belfast.
Meanwhile, work will continue this year on the
clearance of ordnance in German waters. The
contracts involve Boskalis Hirdes and Boskalis
Offshore - Subsea Services. This work is essen-
tial if offshore wind energy developments are
to proceed.
STRONG GROWTh POTeNTIAl FOR NeW BOSkAlIS OFFShORe DIVISION
Boskalis Offshore - Marine Services’ heavy
lift operations during the second half of
2012 included a return to Brazil for the
sheerlegs Taklift 4. This sheerlegs began
lifting operations at the yard of Brasfels/
Keppel on September 1. The assignment,
carried out on behalf of SBM, involved the
lift of a series of 12 modules for the FPSO
Cidade de Paraty. The lifting programme
went smoothly and was completed by
October 18.
At the time of writing, Taklift 4 was still in
Brazil, mobilising for a SMIT Salvage opera-
tion to clear the capsized jack-up platform Sep
Orion at Sao Luis, in the north of the country.
Dual lift in NorwayOther assignments for the sheerlegs during
the second half of 2012 included Taklift 6’s
visit to Floro, in Norway, in the company of a
second sheerlegs, Matador 3. The two crane
vessels were required for the dual lift of a J-lay
tower for a Technip vessel.
Taklift 6 was also deployed to assist in lifting
operations at Rotterdam on behalf of Damen
Shipyards. This involved the lift of large barge
hulls (built in China) from a heavy transport
vessel.
Taklift 7, meanwhile, continues its long-term
assignment with Boskalis Hirdes. This com-
pany is engaged in the large-scale clearance of
ordnance from planned wind park sites in the
German Bight. The sheerlegs arrived in German
waters in October and is acting as an accom-
modation/work platform for the Hirdes project
team.
Projects aheadHeavy lift bookings this year include an assign-
ment for Taklift 6 in Scandinavia. The sheerlegs
is required by the Norwegian group Scanmet
to assist in the decommissioning of the
Draugen FLP.
This visit, to Stord, is programmed for the
first week in March. Work will begin with the
removal of the FLP’s topsides. Subsequently,
the column will be subjected to an induced
list, which will allow lifting connections to be
made. The final phase will involve bringing the
FLP to the horizontal floating condition by a
combination of lifting and controlled ballast-
ing. The column will be then towed into the
yard for decommissioning.
Other heavy lift operations during the first
quarter will include a visit to Antwerp by
Taklift 6 - accompanied, once again, by
Matador 3. The sheerlegs are booked for the
dual lift of a jacket from the quayside.
Looking further ahead, Taklift 7 is booked for
a programme of heavy lifts required for the
Forth Crossing bridge installation works. The
sheerlegs will carry out pylon installation lifts
for this new, cable–stayed bridge. Taklift 7’s
work on site will begin in March 2014.
TAklIFT 4 ReTuRNS TO BRAZIl
Boskalis Offshore - Marine Services’ trans-
port operations enjoyed high levels of
utilisation last year. The pace of 2012 was
reflected in the busy 24/7 operations at
Birkenhead, in the UK, supporting Seaway
Heavy Lifting offshore wind park construc-
tion operations off Liverpool.
The main support requirement was to handle
barges entering the confined tidal basin of
Cammell Laird at Birkenhead. This task was in
its concluding phase at the time of writing.
Seaway Heavy Lifting is the main contractor
for the installation of the wind park’s mono-
piles and transition pieces. Two AHT vessels,
Smit Angola and Union Boxer, were deployed
to Birkenhead to assist with barge-handling.
Boskalis Offshore has tendered for a second
phase of support activities at Birkenhead,
which is scheduled to commence in May.
The drive for offshore wind energy also pro-
vided work for Union Sapphire for much of
2012. Under a contract which began in April
and was completed in September, Union
Sapphire supported the jack-up barge JB117
– engaged in BARD’s Offshore 1 project. Union
Sapphire undertook anchorhandling and
barge-towing duties.
New Year’s work programmeTransport activities during 2013 include fresh
assignments from Heerema for the vessels
Union Manta and President Hubert. Both ves-
sels have new one-year contracts. Previously,
Union Manta spent some 18 months in
Angolan waters, assisting Heerema crane
vessel Thialf in Block 31. President Hubert
spent much of 2012 assisting Heerema in the
North Sea.
This year’s work programme will also see
the deployment of a B Class vessel for a
Boskalis project at Rotterdam-Europoort. The
vessel will participate in a ploughing/level-
ling programme required for the port’s new
Maasvlakte 2 development.
Two recent additions to the fleet - the large
anchorhandlers Union Sovereign and Union
Princess - are also busy. Union Sovereign, for
example, was contracted to tow the Saipem
pipelay vessel Castoro 7 from Rotterdam to
Curaçao.
Giant 2 has also been booked by Saipem, for
the transport of a large topsides from Cadiz
to the North Sea. The 24,000 dwt semi-sub-
mersible barge is mobilising from Singapore
to Cadiz to load the topsides (with a weight
exceeding 8,000 tonnes). It is destined for the
Jasmine Field, in the UK sector of the North
Sea.
WIND eNeRGY GeNeRATeS TRANSPORT WORklOAD
SuBSea SeRViCeS Air/saturation diving and ROV services
Inspection, repair and maintenance of
subsea infrastructure
Subsea construction and removal services
maRine SeRViCeS Charter of anchor handling tugs, barges and
sheerlegs
Complementary maritime project manage-
ment and engineering services to the
chartering
SuBSea COntRaCting
Landfall solutions
Trenching and backfilling
Rock installation
Cable installation
maRine COntRaCting
Transport and installation of fixed and
floating offshore structures
Decommissioning of offshore platforms
Union Sapphire provided support services
for BARD's Offshore 1 project.
Union Sovereign with Castoro 7 at arrival in Curaçao, the
Union Sovereign towed the vessel from the Netherlands.
Taklift 4 installing the last of 12 modules on to FPSO Cidade de
Paraty in Angra dos Reis, Brazil.
9
tug magazine
Boskalis Offshore - Marine Contracting is
firmly focused on two core markets: oil and
gas projects (particularly FPSO installation)
and the renewables sector – the transport
and installation of wind turbine founda-
tions and transition pieces.
Offshore contracts scheduled for this year
include the mooring and installation of the
FPSO OSX-3 in Brazilian waters. This project is
to be undertaken in two phases. The first phase
will involve the installation of the FPSO’s moor-
ing system (12 piles/chains). The water depth
on scene is 100m.
This will be followed during the third quarter
by the second phase hook-up. A fleet of four
specially modified anchor handlers is to be
mobilised for this task. The contract is to be
undertaken on behalf of MODEC and OGX.
enQuest assignmentA similar operation is to be undertaken in UK
waters during the third quarter of this year. The
work will be carried out for Jumbo, main con-
tractor for the installation of the FPSO EnQuest
Producer. This unit is currently undergoing
refurbishment at a Hamburg yard.
The FPSO is required for EnQuest’s redevel-
opment of the Alma and Galia fields (Blocks
30/24, 30/25 and 30/29), 310 km south east
of Aberdeen, in the North Sea’s UK sector.
EnQuest Producer is due to bring these fields
on stream later this year.
Jumbo is due to install the mooring spread at
mid-year. It awarded the tow-out/hook-up con-
tract to Boskalis Offshore. The latter’s scope of
work includes FPSO tow preparation, the tow
from Hamburg to location, field approach and
station-keeping, connection of mooring legs
and the final tensioning. The mooring arrange-
ment consists of nine anchor piles and chains/
wires. The water depth on scene is 95m.
Decommissioning projectThe Marine Contracting activities in 2012
included the removal of two installations in
the Dutch sector of the North Sea, on behalf of
Wintershall Noordzee B.V. The removal of the
Q8-A and Q8-B platforms was tackled by the
floating sheerlegs Taklift 7 and Taklift 4.
Taklift 7 performed the major part of the
works, removing the topsides and jacket of
the Q8-A tripod structure in one lift. These
structures were transported in the hooks to
IJmuiden, lifted onto a barge and transported
to a scrap facility at Flushing. The larger Taklift
4 was required for the single lift of the top-
sides of Q8-B, also transported to Flushing via
IJmuiden. Wintershall is a long-established
client. Marine Contracting has carried out two
previous decommissionings for this company.
West of Duddon SandsDuring the second half of 2012, preparatory
engineering works were undertaken for the
West of Duddon Sands project – the largest
wind park project to date for both Boskalis
and SMIT. Boskalis Offshore has a contract
from Dong Energy/Scottish Power Renewables
for the transportation and installation of 108
monopiles and transition pieces for this large
development, south of Walney, in the East Irish
Sea. The total installed capacity will be 389
MW - enough power to supply over 300,000
households. The existing Barrow, Ormonde
and Walney windparks are nearby.
West of Duddon Sands is a major undertak-
ing, involving total monopole/transition piece
weights approaching 80,000 tonnes. The con-
tract also requires the placing of some 260,000
tonnes of scour protection, including an
armour layer.
Boskalis Offshore is responsible for full pro-
ject management. It has joined with Volker
Construction International, to form the
Offshore Windforce project partnership for
West of Duddon Sands.
The monopiles and transition pieces are being
fabricated at Bladt’s yard at Aalborg, Denmark.
They will be transported to the windpark pro-
ject base at Belfast Harbour, where prepara-
tions are well advanced for the reception of
elements from Aalborg. The project spread
includes the Boskalis fallpipe vessel Sandpiper,
which will prepare the seabed at location.
The fleet also includes three barges and tugs
and various support vessels. The transports to
Belfast are to commence during the first quar-
ter. The Boskalis Offshore - Marine Contracting
scope of work includes rehandling at Belfast,
where the monopiles and transition pieces will
be loaded onto the self-propelled jack-up ves-
sels Pacific Ocean (Swire Blue Ocean) and Sea
Installer (A2Sea, a joint venture between Dong
and Siemens, for turbine installation).
The aim is to have 40 sets of monopiles and
transition pieces at Belfast, ready for installa-
tion on scene, by mid-April, before the actual
installation with the jack-up vessels starts. The
bulk of the work offshore will be completed
during the Summer months. All installation
work is due for completion by end-September.
The scour and armour protection phase is likely
to take place next year, following cable lay.
WINDPARkS AND FPSOs FeATuRe IN MARINe cONTRAcTING WORklOAD IRM activities
North Sea activities in 2012 included major IRM
programmes, such as the latest campaign for
Maersk. Protea and Constructor participated in
the latter programme, which involved around
40 installations, with air diving, saturation
diving and ROV inspections. Other IRM activi-
ties included the annual air diving programme
in the UK sector for Conoco-Phillips. A second
assignment for this client was undertaken by
Protea, involving intervention and construc-
tion works in the Fall of 2012. The IRM works
for the Constructor were concluded last year
in the North Sea by a saturation and air diving
campaign for Dong Energy in the Danish
Sector.
Another notable assignment during the
European region in 2012 was the comprehen-
sive support rendered to Bluewater in the UK
sector’s Pearce Field. This involved replacing
mooring wires (by ROV and saturation diving)
for the FPSO Hæwene Brim.
During September the Protea was used to
finalise the extensive construction campaign
of Wintershall Noordzee B.V. This involved the
tie-in of spool pieces at the K5 platform.
Looking ahead, projects this year will include
the installation of the FPSO Enquest Producer,
now undergoing conversion at Hamburg.
Boskalis Offshore will be working on behalf
of Aberdeen-based operator Enquest. The
main contractor for the installation, Jumbo, is
responsible for installing the mooring piles.
Boskalis Offshore has the contract for towout
to location in the Central North Sea, followed
by the hook-up.
Subsea Services in AfricaSaturation DSV Constructor mobilised to West
Africa in December, to join Smit Orca and carry
out a work programme, in the first quarter in
Equatorial Guinea. This project involves export
riser replacement activities, to replace the
twin 20 inch risers between the FPSO, PLEM
and CALM Buoy. The work scope also includes
ancillary works for TLP and fixed installations
in the field. Aim is to fix Constructor for other
projects during her visit to the region.
December saw the commencement of the
second phase of a project for Total in Gabon
and Congo. Boskalis Offshore - Subsea Services
undertook the flexibles replacement pro-
gramme in Gabon last year. The final phase of
the work is the CoGa Flexibles Replacement
Project, requiring around four months’ work in
Congolese waters. The scope includes install-
ing riser I-tubes and riser protectors in water
depths of up to 100 m. This is a saturation and
air diving task, on behalf of Technip. The team
will operate from the client’s DSV, Alliance.
During the second half of 2012, Subsea
Services in Africa completed an air-diving work
programme for Technip in Equatorial Guinea,
with Noble Energy as ultimate client. This pro-
ject concluded with the hook-up of flowlines
for the FPSO Aseng, in the Alen Field. It was
completed during October.
Early December saw Subsea Services complete
the Anguille-Torpille Pipelay assignment for
Seatrucks Group (with Total Gabon as the ulti-
mate client). This was an air-diving programme
involving Seatrucks’ pipelay barge Jascon 34.
The range of works included riser and spool
piece installation.
Asia Pacific activitiesBoskalis Offshore - Subsea Services has joined
Australian project development and contract-
ing major Leighton Offshore to undertake the
Bukom SPM pipeline replacement project for
Shell Eastern Petroleum (Pte) Ltd., Singapore.
The project is located near Bukom Island,
Singapore, and the principal task is to replace
part of a 48 in. subsea pipeline, as required
under Shell’s planned maintenance programme.
Subsea Services in Australia will be involved
in completing an air-diving, saturation diving
and ROV work programme which includes:
the removal of a CALM Buoy and a PLEM;
the removal of 3 km of existing 48 inch pipe-
line; and the re-establishment of the CALM
Buoy and PLEM. Work offshore commences in
February.
Subsea’s work programme in the Asia Pacific
region in the second half of 2012 included
a saturation diving project for Punj Lloyd in
Indonesia. The modular SAT3 6-man diving
system was mobilised onto the DLB Kuber
barge, for the installation of two sets of spools
and protection structures in 45m water depth.
Early in December, a saturation diving contract
was awarded to Boskalis Offshore – Subsea
Services for the employment of the SAT4
12-man diving system on board the DP2 CSV
Southern Ocean. The contract is with Fugro
TSMarine; the spread was used to install sev-
eral spools for PT Timas, for end client Conoco
Philips in Indonesia. Water depth on scene was
90 m.
Subsea workload in the Middle eastSubsea Services in the Middle East enjoyed a
healthy workload during the final half of 2012,
with a series of five major long term projects
ongoing. Working on behalf of one of the
long term clients (Dubai Petroleum), Subsea
Services completed the first phase of a major
inspection campaign, involving four offshore
installations.
In the final quarter of 2012, an emergency
intervention team mobilised to deal with
a ruptured 30 inch oil pipeline. In addition,
Subsea Services provided a wide range of sup-
port, deploying the Seaeye Surveyor ROV, for
pipelay, SBM installation and piling support
activities, on behalf of Horizon Survey and
head client Valentine Maritime.
In addition, they provided a specialised subsea
team of divers (required to be certified as
Stopaq subsea applicators and inspectors)
to carry out repairs to over 30 field joints, for
marine contractor McDermott in the Kafji oil-
fields, Saudi Arabia.
SuBSeA SeRVIceS AcTIVe AROuND The GlOBeThe busy season in the European region
for Boskalis Offshore - Subsea Services
extended into the final weeks of 2012, with
DSVs Protea and Constructor still working in
the UK and Danish sectors of the North Sea
as December arrived.
Last year was characterised by very high levels
of utilisation. In particular, DSV Constructor
tackled a significant volume of satura-
tion diving work in the North Sea. The cli-
ents included Bluewater (UK sector), DONG
and Maersk (Danish sector). Constructor is
equipped with a single bell saturation system
and is ideal for IRM and short duration, light
construction tasks. Constructor offers cost
advantages over the larger, twin-bell satura-
tion vessels, especially in tidal waters.
Project outlookThe prospects for Subsea Services in the North
Sea region during 2013 look very promising.
There is every expectation that the demand
for saturation diving activities in the region
will continue to be strong this year. Subsea
Services takes an increasingly world view, with
the DSVs positioning to West Africa and else-
where during the North Sea Winter season,
then returning to Europe in March, for the
Summer. Constructor recently followed this
cycle, repositioning from the Danish North Sea
to Equatorial Guinea, to carry out a saturation
diving programme for an independent oil com-
pany. This is a joint project involving Subsea
teams from Europe and South Africa.
In contrast, Protea is staying in Europe this
Winter, assuming the role of Work Class ROV
Intervention Vessel – held at readiness for
ad-hoc and urgent intervention/emergency
tasks.
Smit Komodo relocated from Asia to Europe
and had a good Summer working in German
waters and in the Baltic area, engaged in
ordnance clearance at areas designated for
wind park projects. The vessel was deployed
in cooperation with Boskalis Hirdes and the
programme featured the use of the newly-
acquired Schilling HD WROV systems. This
vessel also undertook several pipeline inspec-
tions with the Schilling HD WROV and pipeline
survey in the Dutch Sector for GdF and Oranje
Nassau Energie.
At the close of the year Smit Komodo under-
went an upgrade – including the installation
of a crane – prior to commencing a five-year
project for Dubai Petroleum as a multipurpose
support vessel. The roles include DSV, towing
and anchorhandling.
Taklift 7 removing the topsides and jacket of the Q8-A tripod
structure in one lift.
A subsea team replaced the mooring wires (by ROV and
saturation diving) for the FPSO Hæwene Brim.
DSV Smit Komodo was deployed for ordnance clearance
activities at areas designated for wind park projects in
cooperation with Boskalis Hirdes.
Subsea Services successfully completed the riser and spool
piece installation for the Anguille-Torpille project in Gabon.
DSV Protea alongside the K5 platform in the North Sea.
Taklift 4 was required for the single lift of the topsides of Q8-B.
11
tug magazine
SMIT Amandla Marine’s expansion into the
important market of Mozambique contin-
ues to progress. A significant milestone was
reached during the second half of 2012,
with the award of an important contract
from mining house Vale. This contract is for
the provision of marine support at the busy
coal transhipment facility off the port of
Beira.
Two vessels - the 2,000 bhp Save River and
3,000 bhp Sofala - were acquired for this con-
tract. They began work at Beira in August. The
coal transhipment operation utilises a large
offshore mooring buoy. The first coal carrier
was moored at this buoy on September 11.
The significance of this contract turns on Vale’s
ambitions for future growth in coal and phos-
phate exports from Mozambique. Coal exports
from Tete province are set to increase. There
are also plans to open a coal export terminal at
Nacala, north of Beira, which is a natural deep-
water port. A terminal at Nacala would allow
direct access for vessels in the 300,000-400,000
DWT size classes.
Mining companies are also examining the
potential for mineral exports from Quelimane,
and Nacala. There is considerable scope for the
expansion of phosphates and iron ore exports
from Mozambique - a trade which may eventu-
ally outstrip coal in terms of volume.
Aim for growth in towage servicesSMIT Amandla Marine is prepared to play a full
part in the harbour towage and marine ser-
vices opportunities in the Mozambican Ports.
SMIT Amandla Marine already has a pioneering
harbour towage and marine services contract
at Beira, involving one tug with possibilitiesfor
the provision of additional vessels, and other
marine and maintenance services.
Future prospects in Mozambique also include
the development of new offshore oil and gas
export facilities, including an LNG terminal.
Once again, this would open up important
prospects for offshore marine support services.
With the potential for business expansion in
mind, SMIT Amandla Marine recently added
the DP2 AHTS vessel Peridot to the fleet. This
anchorhandler went on charter to PetroSA in
late December. This is a two-year drilling sup-
port contract. Peridot is supporting a drilling
campaign in the FO Field in South African
waters, around 120 NM south east of Cape
Town. In addition, PetroSA has also renewed
the charters for Smit Lombok and Smit-
Lloyd 33, working out of Mossel Bay.
Last year also saw the South African gov-
ernment award a five-year contract to SMIT
Amandla Marine for the management of the
newbuild polar supply vessel S.A. Agulhas II.
In addition, SMIT Amandla Marine is to bring
the environmental research vessel Algoa back
into service, on behalf of the Department for
Environmental Affairs. This vessel will also be
managed under a five-year contract.
SMIT Amandla Marine was also selected as ship
manager for the training ship S.A. Agulhas.
This two-year management contract, from
SAMSA (the South African Maritime Safety
Administration), brings SMIT Amandla Marine
close to the heart of a training programme of
national importance. This programme is cre-
ating a significant number of cadet berths.
SMIT is also partnering SAMSA in two coastal
training initiatives. During 2012, with funding
from SMIT Amandla Marine, 140 South Africans
qualified to participate in the fishing industry.
She-Q prioritiesThe year 2012 saw major efforts to improve
safety performance and these measures paid
off. There were no “Lost Time Accidents” in
2012.
The SHE-Q focus in 2013 will be on safety
leadership. Efforts here will concentrate on
safety mentoring for senior seagoing staff. An
external mentor will spend a week on each
vessel. Recommendations will be followed up
and implemented in a programme of ship-
board mentoring spearheaded by the SHE-Q
Manager and Fleet Manager.
SMIT AMANDlA MARINe eXPANDS BuSINeSS IN MOZAMBIQue
The newbuild polar supply vessel S.A. Agulhas II.
SMIT Amandla Marine recently added
the DP2 AHTS vessel Peridot to the fleet.