Sapura Kencana Pipeline Trenching
Pipeline trenching for Sapura Kencana in Mexico
James Fisher Subsea Excavation were contracted to assist with:
• 16km pipeline trenching to 1m top of pipe (TOP)
• 36” pipeline + 3.5” coating - total OD 43”
• 12 crossings
Outcome
James Fisher Subsea Excavation successfully completed this challenging project in the Bay of Campeche, Mexico by working closely with the client and engineering a solution to complete the project within the tight timescales required.
The Twin T8000 mass flow excavation tool was mobilised using a lifting frame specially designed for the contract. Specific nozzles were designed for working on a particularly large pipeline which allowed maximum flow from each nozzle to reach both sides of the 43” diameter pipeline. To accommodate the 1.0 - 1.3m top of pipeline specified by the client the trench depth had to be in excess of 2.0 m to allow for natural backfilling. 12 crossings were also included in the scope of work.
The overall excavation time was 293 hrs at an average operational rate of 0.91m/min. Most of the trenching was achieved in a single pass. Sapura Kencana’s Project Manager said:
“We were impressed by the professionalism, innovation and commitment to delivering great results demonstrated by the JFSE team. The results from the Twin T8000’s inaugural project have been great and it is certainly a technology we will consider utilising again in the future.”
