Becomes first Indian EPC contractor to install a process platform under float-over technology on time
Mumbai: AFCONS Infrastructure Limited (AFCONS) achieved a new milestone on January 15, by executing a float-over installation of the HRD Process Platform, for ONGC, in the west coast of India.
Float-over operation is a new concept which is being recently used in ONGC projects wherein an offshore vessel or a cargo barge which is carrying the heavy topside is made to enter the slot created between jacket legs and stab the complete topside on the jacket legs.
With this phenomenal achievement, the Shapoorji Pallonji Group Company became the first Indian EPC contractor to install a process platform under float-over technology on time. This was only the second float-over operation to be carried out in India.
In offshore oil and gas industry worldwide, most topsides are installed via conventional method of lifting. So far, only 27 topsides have been installed across the world using the float-over technique. AFCONS, the leader in a consortium comprising Technip, France and THHE, Malaysia, became the first Indian contractor to adopt the technology and successfully execute it. The design and installation was handled by Technip.
The HRD project has clocked six million Safe Man Hours without any Loss Time Incident till date.
The HRD topside was constructed in Vietnam, with loading out on the planned date. It was transported on a float-over barge to Heera Field, Indian offshore by sea all the way from Vietnam.
Parallelly, during this time, the jacket was being installed and prepared to receive the topside. On Jan 15, the HRD topside was mated with the jacket making the Process Platform a single structure. The entire operation was complete in 34hrs from preparations to complete installation.
It was a phenomenal event where a structure of 8,300 MT got installed in a single attempt.
AFCONS could pull it off with the help of Dockwise team, who were subcontractors and owners of the float-over barge. They also did the ballast operation for the complete float-over.
AFCONS is known for operational excellence. In its spirit of finishing projects on time or before schedule, AFCONS managed this feat on the 150th year of the Shapoorji Pallonji Group.
About AFCONS:
AFCONS Infrastructure Limited, the flagship civil engineering and construction company of Shapoorji Pallonji Group, is one of the pioneers and leaders in infrastructure development. The company is involved in executing large and complex projects, both in India and overseas. Over the past five decades, AFCONS has consistently earned accolades from many countries and tough MNC clients for successful execution of complex projects in the areas of Marine, Highways, Bridges, Metro, Tunnels, and Onshore and Offshore Oil & Gas platforms. The company has a transnational presence in almost the entire spectrum of infrastructure activities and is known to be one among the top ten marine contractors worldwide in terms of Engineering & Quality excellence and on-time delivery.
AFCONS maintains highest standards when it comes to safety and quality delivery with conformance to Integrated Quality Management systems like ISO 9001:2008, ISO 14001:2004 and BS OHSAS 18001:2007.
Lines of Business
• Marine & Industrial
• Oil & Gas Off-shore Platforms, LNG & Crude Terminals, and Tanks
• Rail & Metro
• Surface Transport
• Hydro and Underground