An innovative drilling template wave protection system was deployed, which allowed drilling and installation to take place while protecting workers and equipment from the harsh Atlantic conditions. When the drilling template was lowered overboard from the offshore installation vessel, specialist
lifting equipment was required to ensure it moved safely through the splash zone and onto the seabed.
IQIP helped with this phase of operations by supplying four Launch and Recovery Systems (LARS). The LARS winches ensure that drilling template overboarding procedures are carried out safely and efficiently. In addition, IQIP supplied a guiding tool to hold the drilling template in place, which was modified to cope with its unconventional shape and weight.
The Saint-Nazaire project also benefitted from the use of the S-4000
Hydrohammer, complete with 6.5m sleeve. IQIP also supplied a
Pile Upending Tool, which grabs the pile from inside before moving it to the vertical position. Establishing a fail-safe connection, the Pile Upending Tool ensures piles remain in perfect condition during lifting, are moved efficiently, and placed precisely in the required position.