US-based McDermott International has inked a deal with independent maritime simulation centre Simwave to mathematically model the dynamic positioning class 2 capable (DP2) construction vessel Amazon
Operations carried out by McDermott on Amazon, which is equipped with an ultra-deepwater J-Lay system, will require a high degree of complex simulation and specific, specialised industry knowledge. Simwave will develop the simulation and highly specialised training, using their centre of excellence in Rotterdam for applied research projects.
Amazon is a 203-m pipe-laying vessel equipped with a powerful propulsion system, including six azimuth propellers and one bow thruster with a distribution power of 28 MW.
Apart from a full hydrodynamic mathematical model of the vessel under various loading conditions, Simwave will create complex mechanical laying equipment, high-quality 3D visual and CCTVs, and a power management system for the installation of the real Kongsberg Dynamic Positioning software (K-Pos DP-2) of Amazon at Simwave 360 Offshore Full Mission Bridge (FMB) simulator.
As a result of this project, DP operators will be able to improve their manoeuvring skills during pipe-laying operations in a safe, simulated environment under different sea conditions.
Simwave’s teams in Vietnam and the Netherlands have started to build the model, which is expected to be fully operational mid-2021. In the sequence, DP operators from McDermott will attend bespoke DP training, specially designed in accordance with their operating conditions and company procedures.
Furthermore, McDermott will also train shore-based personnel, improving their knowledge about the DP system. The courses will enlighten essential elements of the use of DP for installing offshore pipelines, including standards from the new Code of Practice for Offshore Pipelaying and Umbilical Installation, launched in 2020 by IMCA as publication M253.
For onshore personnel, Simwave will customise courses about DP, following IMCA guideline M117, incorporating the most important aspects of DP during pipe-laying operations.
“With this contract, we use the full capabilities of our centre of excellence, including the full use of hydronamics, DP and multiple connected simulators to train staff and train multi-disciplinary teams for the most complex operations and prepare for emergency scenarios,” said Simwave technical manager and DP specialist Cinthya Lopes.
“McDermott are delighted to be working with Simwave to produce comprehensive simulation, training and planning tools that will assist us in taking our teams to the next level of competence, matching the sophistication of Amazon’s new production and installation capabilities” said Amazon conversion operations director Neil Henderson.
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