Assembly of Derrick

With a seafront that could accommodate lift-off operation upon completion of the project, UDL Marine was awarded a million dollar project by South Seas International (SSI) for the assembly of a derrick to be supplied - fully-fitted - to the rig Noble Jim Day. Timeline was six months.

As preparation for the assembly, the parts and components were laid out on site for identification and quality check. Any non-conformance was reported to SSI for advice. The derrick was then pre-assembled into three sections. Installation compensator, platforms, walkways, gin pole, safety devices were all carried out on the three sections. Due to the various components required of the derrick, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for certain equipment or devices were enlisted and made to adhere to a strict Progress Schedule.

Lower support was assembled in April 2008 while the upper section was assembled in August 2008, keeping the derrick close to shore as much as possible. The derrick was successfully erected alongside the wharf ahead of schedule and was lifted off in December 2008.