The 76,000 DWT White Marlin came to DVR following the transportation of two topside modules for the Johan Sverdrup riser platform from South Korea to the Norwegian sector of the North Sea. To enable it to carry these structures, major modifications were made to the vessel’s deck, and the visit to DVR was to reverse the changes and reinstate White Marlin for regular operations.

Major works on deck

In the space of 25 days, the yard has two significant tasks to complete. One of these was the removal of the eight grillages that were fitted to support the modules. Together these totaled around 5,000 tonnes of steelwork and had to be dismantled and removed from the deck before being sent for recycling.

The second element of the works was the installation of the two casings, one at each side of the stern of the vessel. The casings were lifted into position, and some adjustments were required before the casings could be welded according to the original design. That done, the integration of the casings’ piping and electrical systems with the ship’s infrastructure then took place.

Working with the client

With much heavy lifting to be done, Boskalis brought in one of its own floating sheerleg cranes, the Taklift 4. Capable of lifting up to 2,200 tonnes, it handled the removal of the grillages and installation of the casings with ease. The time allowed for the completion of all the works was originally set for 20 days. However, despite working around the clock during that period, an additional five days were agreed with the client when it was discovered that the installation of the casings required more work than expected.

Frank Berrens, Project Manager for Boskalis, commented: “As a renowned company, Boskalis has a large portfolio of assets, such as the huge White Marlin, which have to be continually prepared and reinstated for new and challenging projects. To get that professionally done we follow stringent compliance policies around the globe and for that reason we chose to work with Damen Shipyards for this and also the great Johan Sverdrup project. We were therefore very pleased that they had the right place and time available to perform the agreed works and that the jobs were executed to the high standards set by Boskalis for efficiency, time, quality and, always first and foremost, safety!”

Damen Shiprepair & Conversion has a longstanding relationship with Boskalis. This was the second time that White Marlin has visited DVR, and in late 2016 her sistership Blue Marlin came to Damen Shiprepair Vlissingen for a similar deck reconfiguration. Once again, close cooperation between the two teams, on this occasion led by the client’s Technical Superintendent and the yard’s Project Coordinator, ensured rapid progress and the quick resolution of any unforeseen issues.

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