The Project
JBS Fabrication Ltd (JBS) were contacted by a major International company who specialise in all types of underwater engineering and upgrading of complex offshore subsea structures. The client required a complete mass flow excavation spread of equipment for a subsea pipelaying and post trenching work scope in the Caspian Sea. The project specified that JBS supply all of the equipment as well as an operations team to operate the equipment on the client’s vessel.
The patented JBS Sea Axe Controlled Flow Excavation (CFE) Tool is the best available next generation tool of choice for subsea mass flow excavation (MFE) projects. Sea Axe has evolved from the older generation MFE type of equipment spreads to become the most efficient, controllable unit available for subsea excavation.
The Challenge
The project location in the Caspian Sea was in a remote location and the vessels coupled with the potential risk of being cut off by bad weather presented particular challenges for the subsea project. This particular location presented challenges in terms of the availability of equipment and competency of operational personnel because of the remoteness.
JBS worked with the client to evaluate the project which required some rock dump dispersal as well as excavation. The optimum technical and cost-effective solution was for JBS to supply a complete Sea Axe CFE spread of equipment, base the equipment on the client’s vessel and then send the JBS operational team out to operate the equipment and train the client’s personnel.
Also included in the equipment supply was a complete two years spare parts kit covering all major equipment. This was required to ensure that the operational team had all backup spare parts and equipment required to ensure maximum operational reliability and rapid response to any emergency situation which required excavation.
The Outcome
The specific capabilities of the Sea Axe to excavate subsea pipelines for inspection and repair allowed the project to be completed ahead of schedule. Due to the remote location Sea Axe has remained on location to assist with the client’s Caspian Sea pipeline response and repair contingency plan.
