Overview of some interesting projects
Saipem FDS 2 - Conversion of J-Lay Tower (2018/2019)
Client: ROG
Company: Saipem
Ship name: FDS 2
Location: Motril, Spain
In 2018/2019, I had the opportunity to work as the Installation Manager for the major upgrade of the J-Lay tower on the Saipem FDS 2 vessel, a critical asset used in the offshore oil and gas sector. The J-Lay tower is responsible for laying heavy subsea pipelines, and the goal of this project was to increase its capacity from 1400t to 2000t, allowing the vessel to handle more demanding projects at greater depths.
The project was led by IHC, with ROG playing a pivotal role in executing the on-site work. Located in Motril, Spain, the operation benefited from the favorable weather conditions, which helped maintain the project’s schedule throughout the European winter. My responsibilities included overseeing the removal and installation of the new tower components, ensuring that the work adhered to the strict specifications set by Saipem, and managing the coordination between different teams.
This highly technical and complex project involved extensive engineering, precise installation, and rigorous testing to meet the upgraded capacity. After approximately seven months of dedicated work, the project was successfully completed. The tower was fully commissioned and operational, greatly enhancing the vessel's capabilities in subsea pipeline installation, positioning Saipem FDS 2 for more ambitious offshore projects in the future.
Smit Salvage - Northguider Salvage (2019)
Client: Wimorost
Company: Smit Salvage
Ship name: Northguider
Location: Svalbard, Norway (North Pole)
In 2019, I led a specialized team in one of the most challenging environments on Earth—the North Pole—to participate in the salvage operation of the Northguider vessel. The Northguider, a fishing trawler, had run aground in Svalbard, Norway in December 2018, after harsh weather conditions drove it into a shallow area. Due to the extreme Arctic winter, the salvage efforts could not begin until the summer season of August 2019.
I was tasked with managing a project team consisting of welders, fitters, and scaffolders. Our primary objective was to secure the ship by closing off the damaged areas, particularly those affected underwater, and making the necessary structural modifications to prepare the vessel for refloating. Divers played a crucial role in identifying the most severely damaged areas, while we executed critical repairs and removed compromised sections of the ship.
The project spanned approximately 10 weeks in the harsh, isolated conditions of Svalbard. Despite our best efforts, the extent of the underwater damage proved too severe to repair within the given timeframe. After a thorough assessment and exhaustive work, it became clear that it was not possible to fully close off the vessel in time. The decision was made to halt the project, but the experience of working in such a remote and challenging environment added invaluable knowledge to my career in maritime operations.
McDermott Amazon - Vessel Conversion (2019/2020)
Client: ROG
Company: McDermott
Ship name: Amazon
Location: Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Between 2019 and 2020, I was involved in the extensive conversion of the Amazon, an offshore construction vessel owned by McDermott. This project was a large-scale and highly complex undertaking that aimed to upgrade the vessel's functionality to meet the growing demands of the offshore energy sector. The conversion work was conducted in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, with ROG collaborating alongside IHC, the main contractor, to complete this challenging operation.
My role in the project was within the zone management team, where I oversaw various work squads, including fitters, welders, pipefitters, and subcontractors. The project required careful coordination between different divisions, including project management, engineering teams, deck supervisors, and foremen. We handled everything from section removals and new installations to repairs, modifications, and extensive troubleshooting during the commissioning phase.
This conversion project demanded a high level of technical expertise and teamwork, with a strong focus on safety and efficiency. The scope of the work included significant structural changes, enhancements to the vessel's deck equipment, and upgrading onboard systems to increase its operational capabilities. The project was completed within the expected timeline, and the Amazon emerged as a significantly improved vessel, ready to take on larger and more demanding projects in offshore construction.
Saipem - Fabrication of Underwater Sliding Frames (2021)
Client: ROG
Company: Saipem
Location: Rotterdam, The Netherlands
In 2021, ROG was contracted by Saipem for the fabrication and delivery of three custom-designed underwater sliding frames. These frames were essential components for the guide systems used in offshore pile installations, and the project had a very tight deadline of 10 weeks. The frames were designed to be adjustable to accommodate varying conditions during pile installations, and their fabrication required precision and collaboration across multiple teams.
My role in this project involved overseeing the entire process, from the cutting of the first steel beams to the final installation and inspection of the frames. The work took place in ROG’s workshop in Rotterdam, where we closely followed the technical drawings provided by Saipem to ensure accuracy and compliance with strict offshore standards. Collaboration with Saipem's engineering department and our own subcontractors was crucial to meeting the project’s tight timeline.
Despite the compressed schedule, we successfully fabricated the three unique sliding frames within the 10-week period. The frames were then installed on deck and prepared for overseas transportation. This project demonstrated our ability to manage complex fabrication tasks efficiently and to deliver high-quality solutions that met the client's expectations. The successful operation of these sliding frames during pile installations further confirmed the project’s success.
