OEG Offshore delivers variable speed drive module for Aoka Mizu FPSO

OEG Offshore has delivered a variable speed drive (VSD) module for the Aoka Mizu floating production storage and offloading vessel (FPSO) to Bluewater.

OEG Offshore said on Wednesday that the module, weighing 85 tonnes, would be installed on the Aoka Mizu FPSO currently undergoing upgrade and life extension works in Dubai.

The vessel is planned to be used on Hurricane Energy’s Early Production System development of the Lancaster field, west of Shetland.

OEG added that the module contained HV switchgear, VSDs, associated control equipment, and utilities for the electrical submersible pumps (ESP) which would be installed in the production wells to provide artificial lift.

The seven-figure contract involved OEG’s specialist design and manufacturing team carrying out all structural and outfitting activities, mechanical installation of equipment, electrical wiring, and termination of both variable speed drives and the high voltage switchgear.

The module structure was specifically designed and prepared to allow a third VSD to be installed in the future.

Over 140 kW of cooling will be installed on the top of the module roof to control the heat generated from the drives and switchgear. The module includes a fire suppression system, duty and standby pressurization system, ProfiBus management system, and FPSO interface hook-up junction boxes, all housed in weather protected recessed area of the module.

Other safeguards include J30 (Jet fire rating) side and end walls for personnel and equipment protection.

Bluewater’s project engineering manager, Reinout Maitland, said: “The VSD module is an important part of our client’s field development strategy and is a critical element of our project planning. OEG’s extensive modular solution experience provided strong and adaptive performance for timely delivery of the VSD module.”

Dave Hunter, operations director of OEG, added: “Securing and completing this project within a very tight schedule has been a positive start to 2018. The VSD module has been expertly outfitted including the full integration of the client’s free-issue equipment.”

The company also said that its technicians would be on-site in Dubai to support Bluewater with the final installation and commissioning of the module on the FPSO before it left for the Lancaster field.

It is worth reminding that, earlier this week, oilfield services provider TechnipFMC delivered horizontal Xmas tree systems and an FPSO subsea control system for the Lancaster EPS.