Recently, COSCO SHIPPING Specialized Carriers successfully completed the world’s first DP float-over installation case without longitudinal limit, with a platform weighing 12,900 tons in place smoothly and the precise docking of the jacket. This marks the 19th DP float-over installation project in the company’s history, showcasing the “hard power” of COSCO SHIPPING Specialized Carriers semi-submersible fleet in the field of float-over installation.
The vessel “ZHI YUAN KOU”, a 40,000-DWT semi-submersible ship of COSCO SHIPPING Specialized Carriers and responsible for the implementation, arrived at the operating sea area after 18 days of sailing. After successfully ro-ro the platform, it completed all the preparations before the installation of the float-over in only two days.
On one hand, the installation of DP float-over presents a test to the ship’s hardware performance, and at the same time, it brings challenges to the crew’s operational skills. “ZHI YUAN KOU” is equipped with the world’s advanced DP2 operating system, which can accurately control the ship’s positioning in rough seas.
During this operation, “ZHI YUAN KOU” must be maneuvered between the two jacket bases using a skill normally seen when a car driver tries to reverse into the parking lot, and the error on both sides must be kept within 10 cm. In the docking process, the ship should not only ensure a horizontal position, but also ensure simultaneous docking of the six jacket pile legs, with the error controlled within 2 cm.
“200 mm to the left, 100 mm to the left, 100 mm to the right...” The company’s seasoned senior port captain promptly adjusted the dynamic positioning operation based on real-time walkie-talkie reports and issued accurate instructions.
Shortly thereafter, the walkie-talkie reported the news of “safe stern entry into the jacket,” and the first critical installation point was successfully passed.
Following that, updates such as “the ship is in position,” “the tip is aligned,” “the cargo begins to transfer weight,” “the cargo is safely disengaged,” “the ship is safely removed from the jacket,”... were received from the walkie-talkie, ensuring that “ZHI YUAN KOU” completed the operation smoothly and in an organized manner.