Houlder exhibited at Topsides UK 2016, Aberdeen, March 16 & 17. Topsides UK was the first conference of its kind in the UKCS and Europe focusing on operating topsides facilities more efficiently through enhanced production, increased productivity and lowered operating spend.

Houlder took the opportunity to discuss the EPC Services we provide to operators, drilling contractors and well service providers attending the exhibition and conference.

Specific areas include;

• Upgrades and maintenance
• Drilling facility EPC
• Structures and Structural Design
• Innovative mechanical handlings solutions
• Riser Analysis
• Yard stays

Members of our engineering team were able to discuss recent projects. Examples included;

Drilling facility EPC – Drilling unit upgrade
In order to meet the demands of future drilling programmes, the 1981 built Ensco 70 jack up drilling rig required a substantial upgrade. Houlder engineers designed major modifications to the power system, drilling mud systems, rig safety equipment and access walkways. Houlder then procured equipment, supervised prefabrication and supervised the installation work at the Able Shipyard.

Innovative mechanical handling solutions – BoP Upgrades
The introduction of API 53 Standard has led to a requirement for BOP Upgrade Engineering Services to meet the new regulations. Houlder has been involved on a number of rig modifications to accommodate the resulting increase in size and weight of the BOPs.

Examples include;

• Design, build and installation of BoP skidding carts and systems
• Design of “Normar” carriers with increased capacity
• Design, build and installation of new BoP Frames and restraint arms

Structure and structural design – FPSO Boiler Modules
Houlder supplied John Zink Hamworthy Combustion Engineering with a full detailed design package for a boiler module to support super-heated, high pressure boilers on a new build FPSO. The Boiler Module required a modular housing structure primarily comprising pancake grillages interfaced with the vessel support structure. Topside structures provided access to the economisers, burners and other equipment.

Topsides UK Conference speakers included leaders from operators, tier 1 contractors and the supply chain. They presented and debated the current issues through interactive discussion sessions.

Dr. John Hargreaves, Chairman of the Topsides UK steering committee, commented before the event. “We are encouraging industry leaders to come together at Topsides UK to showcase the early successes in addressing the ongoing challenges, and the conference is the perfect way to demonstrate existing expertise, transformational ideas, and how the wider industry can benefit from a more cooperative approach to working smarter.”

You can read more about the event on topsidesuk.com