Offshore Solutions, the Netherlands, has installed its first Offshore Access System (OAS) in the central North Sea.
An OAS is a heave compensated telescopic gangway, enabling the safe transfer of personnel from a vessel to an offshore installation.
Designed to operate in 2.5-metre Hs (significant wave height) sea states, the OAS is mounted onboard platform supply vessel 'FD Incredible', which has been chartered by Chevron as an accommodation vessel.
Offshore Solutions, which already operates three units in the shallower southern North Sea, has been awarded a six-month contract with Chevron Upstream Europe to support the safe transfer of personnel to its normally unmanned installation, Erskine.
Erskine, situated approximately 240km east of Aberdeen in blocks 23/26a and 23/26b of the United Kingdom Continental Shelf (UKCS), faced manning constraints as the platform only has accommodation for twelve personnel. With 16 to 20 people required to carry out current well work and coiled tubing operations, Chevron studied a variety of manning options.
The OAS, installed on the 'FD Incredible', was the preferred means of personnel transfer as it allows workers to transfer safely between the vessel and platform, maximising the productivity on the platform.
Equipped with a class two dynamic positioning system, clear deck space, a contractor health, environment and safety management (CHESM) "A" rating and bedding for 22 working crew, the 'FD Incredible' is ideally suited to support OAS operations.
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