The Client owned a structure in the West Cameron area of the Gulf of Mexico that was originally a Modular Offshore Drilling Unit (MODU) which over 25 years ago had been converted to a fixed platform.  During Hurricane Ike, the platform was damaged to the point that it had to be removed.  Due to the age of the structure and the damage received during the hurricane, the old MODU’s hull was no longer seaworthy.  Its jacking mechanisms were in a severe state of disrepair and neglect as they were no longer needed for the structure’s current function as a fixed platform.  The structure was estimated to weigh in excess of 2,000 tons, even with all production and unnecessary equipment removed.  In addition to being cost-prohibitive, a large derrick barge would be unable to operate in the location’s 75 foot water depth.   To further complicate the removal process, the structure was connected to an adjacent platform via a 160’ long bridge complete with multiple runs of process piping.  Finally, the two structure complex was the central processing facility for an entire field including many pipelines running to and around both structures.















Fairwinds’ two-fold solution was to 1) partner with a company that specializes in repairing the types of jacking mechanisms found in this former MODU; and 2) engineer a method to lower the structure onto a material barge, to be towed away.   A complex project schedule was developed in order to properly sequence the many operations required to strip the structure of all possible weight; remove, repair and re-install the jacking mechanisms; move all relevant process equipment over to the adjacent structure; re-route multiple sub-sea pipelines; remove the 160’ bridge; modify process piping, electrical and personnel support services on the adjacent platform; secure all necessary permits and surveys;  and coordinate the towing operation.     

Results:  Fairwinds completed the entire 6 month removal process within 2 weeks of the date that was originally planned almost a year earlier.  All of Fairwinds’ detailed engineering, project management and inspection skills were fully utilized to make this project a success.  The Client was extremely pleased with the results and the money that was saved.















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