Problem-solving for Petrochem

MOVING AND INSTALLING A MARINE LOADING ARM

When we were asked to look at installing this marine loading arm, we quickly realised a different approach could hold major benefits of time and cost for our client. Minimal downtime for a petrochemical site is critical and our approach kept our operations down to a minimum.

The marine loading arm connects to tanker manifolds, so that aviation fuel can be transferred securely from the vessel to storage onshore. It weighs 35te, is 21m long and its integrity needs protecting throughout the factory-to-foundation move.

FINDING THE BEST SOLUTION

We completed in-house engineering and documentation for the project with only two minor revisions, making sure everything met petrochemical QSHE standards. Our team also played an important role in site meetings with subcontractors (such as agents and vessel owners) and the port authorities, so that everyone knew what was happening, where, and when.

Most importantly perhaps, we created a new way to install the marine loading arm that involved using a 2x 150te geared capacity vessel to load it, take it across the Medway – a 45-minute journey – and then berth to unload at the jetty. This included a tide-critical lift plan and bespoke mooring arrangement, made possible by our in-house marine engineers.

We know that other contractors might have suggested transporting and installing the marine loading arm with a crane barge or sheer leg, but our experience meant we were confident – calculating the tidal influences precisely, we could lift, upend, and install the asset onto its foundations. Every part of the project was managed through to its conclusion on time, which also meant the project stayed within budget and let our end client hit their installation targets.