SINGAPORE-based offshore specialist Nortrans has taken an accommodation barge (‘floatel’) on charter after winning work from Saipem, which is the main contractor to Chevron on the North West Shelf’s Gorgon project.
The charter is for Belait CSS-1, owned by Brunei’s Belait Shipping and built in China 2015 as a well intervention, maintenance and accommodation platform. The 84-metre LOA, twin-hulled vessel was designed by Vard and features dynamic positioning, a moonpool, 150-tonne crane and accommodation for 200 people.
It will be deployed to the Jansz-Io Compression Project offshore Western Australia after completing its current drydocking and upgrades at Singapore’s Seatrium Admiralty Yard in preparation for the assignment.
“These enhancements will ensure the vessel meets the highest industry standards and project-specific requirements, enabling optimal performance in its role,” Nortrans said.
“This milestone further strengthens Nortrans’ position as a trusted provider of offshore accommodation solutions. We look forward to working closely with Saipem to support the successful execution of the Jansz-Io Compression Project.”
Chevron says the Jansz-Io Compression (J-IC) project will use proven subsea compression technology to enhance the recoverability of the Jansz-Io field and maintain the supply of natural gas to the LNG and domestic gas plants on Barrow Island.
The installation of compression and supporting infrastructure will also enable the future tie-in of other fields within the Greater Gorgon Area. J-IC is part of the original development plan for Gorgon and will support the delivery of energy to customers in WA and Asia for decades to come. Facilities.
Approximately 6,500 tonnes of subsea structures, including the subsea compression station responsible for compressing the field gas, will be installed on the sea floor. The power and control requirements for the subsea infrastructure will be provided by a 27,000 tonne floating field control station, a normally unattended facility that is tied to the seabed by 12 mooring lines. Power for the field control station is supplied from Barrow Island via a 14 km land cable connected to a 135 km submarine cable.
