March 29, 2012 – Efforts by ConocoPhillips to achieve the lightest weight possible for the superstructure of its Ekofisk L accommodation facility have been demonstrated by its selection of an underlay construction material that will remain unseen.
The oil major has selected BOLISCREED 400 for the high profile North Sea unit, which will replace the longstanding Ekofisk H and Ekofisk Q as part of ConocoPhillips plans to prolong activities in the Ekofisk field by up to 40 years.
Ekofisk L’s topside is currently under construction at Singapore’s Sembawang (SMOE) shipyard, while the unit’s support struts and structures are under completion at the Aker Verdal facility, Norway. The completed unit is due to enter service before the end of 2013.
As well as acting as an accommodation unit, Ekofisk L will also be a new field centre for the Greater Ekofisk Area and the platform will be connected to the existing Ekofisk Complex via a bridge.
“BOLISCREED 400 will cover an area of around 14,000m2 onboard Ekofisk L and will play a critical role in ensuring that the unit’s steel surfaces are levelled to accept the installation of cabins and public spaces,” says Jacco van Overbeek, Bolidt Director Global Shipbuilding Division. “The material is around 20% lighter than conventional epoxy-based products.”
In addition to its 552 cabins, the DNV-classed accommodation unit will also have space for a number of field centre functions such as a heli-deck and hangars, 75 office workspaces and a number of auxiliary systems such as fire water and freshwater supply.
An experienced, multi-discipline team from ConocoPhillips is on-site at SMOE to monitor the construction of the topside itself, two bridges and one bridge support.
The decision to select BOLISCREED 400 was made by the oil major’s architectural, led by Petter F. Vennemoe, Senior Architect for the Ekofisk 2/4 L project. Mr Vennemoe has worked with the material on several other offshore projects.
Alongside its light weight, BOLISCREED 400 was chosen because it met standards set for durability, water impermeability, flexibility, as well as its ability to withstand vibration and deflection without breaking or cracking.
Following an internal review by ConocoPhillips and the necessary product approval by its Health & Safety contractors, BOLISCREED 400 is being delivered in eight batches to SOE, with application due to start during April 2012.
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Note to editors:
The Ekofisk field, in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea, remains one of the region’s most important oil fields. Production began in 1971 after the construction of a series of off-shore platforms by Phillips Petroleum Company. ConocoPhillips was granted permission for the installation of Ekofisk L, in March 2010.
Bolidt Synthetic Products & Systems
For further information please contact Jacco van Overbeek, Director Global Shipbuilding Division, Robert van Aarle, Sales Manager Global Shipbuilding Division
T +3178 684 54 44
E Export@bolidt.nl
I www.bolidt.com
