TESS has been leading the work related to bunkering on the Hugin A platform in the Yggdrasil area, and has developed two customized bunkering systems. Common to both solutions is the use of applied science, which has been utilized for many years, as the foundation for innovation. By combining well-functioning technologies in a new way, the requirements for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and human risk are met, while improving efficiency and profitability.
Hose Loading
The first solution is called Hose Loading and is a bunkering station with four hose reels that connect to and from supply vessels. The bunkering station is electrically powered and can therefore be controlled from shore, enabling low manning and periods of completely unmanned operation of Hugin A.
The connection itself with Themis SAFE Autohook not only reduces risk during the operation itself, but completely eliminates the need for personnel who are in physical contact with the hoses. Crane work is the second most risky activity related to human involvement after helicopter transport in the North Sea.
Remote Chemical Loading
On Hugin A, the most innovative bunkering system since the 1970s will also become operational. The Remote Chemical Loading system reduces the number of crane lifts by > 95 percent and is mounted so that it is not lifted over fixed installations. This significantly reduces the risk of accidents to equipment, and the risk of accidents involving personnel is reduced to a minimum.
By placing all equipment for conducting bunkering on supply vessels, and only having a receiving unit mounted on the platform, space requirements and weight are significantly reduced. Since multiple chemicals can be bunkered simultaneously, bunkering proceeds faster and the weather window for the operation is reduced. This provides a time reduction in bunkering of up to 80 percent compared to previous solutions.
The system also enables bunkering on unmanned offshore installations, which provides a reduction in risk for personnel. The system has been developed in collaboration with Aker Solutions, Aker BP, Hugg and TESS.
“One team”
Aker BP and TESS have had close collaboration throughout both processes. Common to both is a collaborative climate with very good mutual understanding and desire for implementation.
– This has been a very exciting and excellent project, where we have worked together as “One team”, says delegated Technical Authority in the projects at Aker BP, Svein Harald Hetland.
