Osbit reaches key milestone in FTAI Ocean’s Smart Tower System

An offshore technology supplier has reached a key milestone on a major project.

Osbit Ltd has passed another point in the assembly of a well intervention tower system for FTAI Ocean.

The FTAI Ocean Smart Tower System, which will facilitate integrated riserless and riser-based well intervention operations on FTAI Ocean’s flagship DP3 vessel M/V Pride, is now standing at its full height of 40 metres, following the installation of the top section of the tower.

The lifting operation took place at Wilton Engineering Services, in Port Clarence, near Middlesbrough, where the tower has been fabricated.

Bosses say the uniting of the top and bottom sections will allow for the final fit-out of hydraulic, control and electrical parts to take place.

The  completed system will weigh 1300 tonnes and operate in water depths of up to 1500 metres.

Officials say it integrates a series of innovations derived from Osbit’s extensive experience in developing well intervention and offshore handling equipment to improve operational safety, flexibility and accessibility.

They add the tower’s vertical Open Water Intervention Riser System (OWIRS) racking system improves deck safety by reducing the need for access around the well centre to handle OWIRS joints, while its small footprint optimises deck space, for more effective equipment storage.

The FTAI Ocean Smart Tower System also incorporates Osbit’s Integrated Logistics Support (Osbit ILS) software technology, which offers detailed data insight and asset performance analysis.

Steve Bedford, Osbit director, said: “The achievement of this important milestone is a real testament to the capabilities of our team, close collaboration between Osbit and FTAI Ocean, and the dedication of our North East supply chain, particularly during the challenges of the current pandemic.

“This system is the culmination of our extensive expertise and strong reputation in the design and build of cutting-edge well intervention and offshore handling systems.

“We remain committed to utilising our capabilities to support our clients in enabling safer and more efficient offshore operations.

“As a business, it is rewarding for us to see this world-class piece of kit successfully coming together and we are very much looking forward to delivering the completed system to FTAI Ocean.”

Steven Pearson, managing director of Wilton Engineering, said: “We are very proud to be working with Osbit to produce the Well Intervention System.

“It is a very impressive structure, which is now dominating the skyline at our riverside facility, highlighting to everyone that can see it the innovation, ingenuity, engineering and manufacturing capabilities of the North East’s offshore energy supply chain.”

Jon Attenburrow, managing director at FTAI Ocean, added: “This is a great achievement, for all involved in the design, build and assembly of the Smart Tower System, in these difficult times.

“We are pleased the build has been carried out safely and professionally to date and look forward to the successful completion of the world-class Well Intervention Tower.”