SMI Block 217 processes gas produced at the Flatrock reservoir, and was already processing double the Gulf of Mexico average for a single platform prior to expansion. It has now doubled its capacity with a massive expansion project, which includes the installation of new pipe piles, a new service crane and a water treatment deck platform.
To carry out these installations, the 330 USt LR 1300 was mounted on a barge. Marine contractor Cajun Maritime put in place an engineered ballast plan to ensure the barge maintained a zero degree list at all times and the crane was able to carry out its full load chart without reductions.
The LR 1300 can lift 330 USt at a radius of 4.5m, with a main boom length of 120m (light) and 98m (heavy).
Lifts carried out included a 60.1t separator package set at a radius of 20.1m, and a 71.2t well deck placed at a radius of 18.3m.
“There were several lifts that could not have been carried out without a 330 USt capacity crane,” said Ronald Mashon, Cajun Maritime’s construction manager.
Cajun Maritime added that the LR 1300 offered other benefits that made the crane suitable for this job, including sealed bearings, special coatings and stainless steel, zinc-plated surfaces, as well as a number of safety features.
The crane is now back at work at Flatrock, where Cajun Maritime is completing further expansion work.
