Deck/Topsides Raising System

Challenged by an offshore operator to increase the storm air gap on two 8-pile Gulf of Mexico production topsides, Versabar developed a patented process and successfully elevated each platform 14 feet in under two hours.

The project utilized 32 hydraulic rams with 260 tons capacity each. The platforms had experienced considerable storm damage during hurricanes Katrina and Rita, yet still had production life warranting the deck raise.

Versabar developed a split sleeve which kept the legs of the platform captured during the entire process of cutting the legs and raising the platform. The sleeves then became the legs’ extensions at the completion of the deck raising. Versabar used a pin connection to keep the platforms storm safe during the cutting and welding process. Engineering, fabrication, testing, delivery, and completion of this “first in the Gulf of Mexico” project was completed by the staff of Versabar’s Houston facility.

The continuing impact of subsea subsidence in offshore fields has created a revival of interest in Versabar’s Deck Raising technology. An operator in Southeast Asia approached Versabar to investigate the options for raising the topsides and flare structures simultaneously for the complete field. Versabar extended their proprietary technology to allow the field to be raised in a two-step process. The considerable loss of air gap due to seabed subsidence and very short leg length below the cellar deck precluded a single stage raising operation. The solution was extensively tested and verified at the Versabar facility in Houston prior to mobilizing the equipment and support personnel to the field.

Versabar successfully raised the field by 13 feet using the two-stage process as designed. Raising operations were completed in under 8 hours. Versabar can offer raising solutions for platforms over 20,000-tons in weight and for any general configuration or arrangement.

For more information, please contact Solutions@vbar.com