Cortez Subsea completes TNAG pipelay

Cortez Subsea completes TNAG pipelay project

SUBSEA TECHNOLOGY AND SERVICES COMPANY CORTEZ SUBSEA, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ALAM MARITIM, HAS RECENTLY SUCCESSFULLY completed the first ever subsea pipeline using the Zap-Lok mechanical connector, offshore Malaysia.

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF CORTEZ SUBSEA

The project championed new and proven technology for faster and more cost-effective completion of subsea pipelay and recorded a best average lay rate of 4.7km in 24 hours, with the rigid pipelay section completed within twenty days. This lay rate is considerably faster than traditional welded pipelaying,allowing for the project to be completed at lower costs.

The pipeline system was developed specifically for the Tembikai NonAssociated Gas (TNAG) Development by Vestigo Petroleum, a wholly owned subsidiary of PETRONAS Carigali. It used NOV-Tuboscope Zap-Lok connectors to link the rigid pipeline via diverless connections. Work included the engineering, procurement, construction, installation and pre-commissioning of the pipeline system and was delivered from Cortez Subsea’s office in Kuala Lumpur. Alasdair Cowie, Managing Director of Cortez Subsea, says, “We pioneer the latest developments to support our clients with quicker, safer and cleaner techniques. We championed the Zap-Lok mechanical interference connector as a weld-free alternative to traditional pipelay. This is the first time this technology, which is much faster and more efficient, has been used offshore Malaysia.”

“In another industry first,” Mr Cowie continues, “the rigid pipe was connected to flexible risers using a Stinger Deployed Diverless Connector (SDDC), which we brought to the market in partnership with AFGlobal. Using a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) and a deployment frame, the connection is made from the pipeline to the host facility without the use of divers. A complete diverless approach reduces costs and increases safety for the team offshore. This mechanical alternative to welding results in a safer work environment, which is free from hot-work and radiography.”

“A reduction of reliance on equipment and people, thanks to the technology, allowed us to reduce our carbon footprint. At Cortez, we form genuine partnerships and cooperate to support and lead the development of services to conquer new and innovative subsea frontiers and deliver projects to save our customers money. The hope is that the industry will continue to adapt and use new technology as the key to unlock the world’s energy resources and keep the subsea industry at the forefront of innovation”, Mr Cowie concludes.

i. cortezsubsea.com

The project championed new and proven technology for faster and more costeffective completion of subsea pipelay.

Alasdair Cowie, Managing Director of Cortez Subsea: “A reduction of reliance on equipment and people, thanks to the technology, allowed us to reduce our carbon footprint.”