Caley Ocean Systems Supplies SBM Offshore with CALM Buoy Hose Deployment System

11 August 2011

Offshore handling systems specialist, Caley Ocean Systems has supplied a large diameter hose deployment system to SBM Offshore N.V. for the installation of two, large-diameter, reinforced, bonded rubber hose offloading lines for a catenary anchor leg mooring (CALM) buoy.

Based on a SBM design concept, the hose deployment system will be used to assemble and deploy lengths of Trelleborg Trelline hose, some of which will be fitted with buoyancy modules. Caley Ocean Systems has built on the SBM concept, teaming up with SBM to refine the hose deployment and lifting system's design, reducing the size and weight of the A-frame structure, and the overall cycle times. In addition, guidance of the hose both above and below the deployment system's friction clamp enables safer operation.

The Caley hose deployment system comprises an A-frame assembly, which includes winches and lifting gear with a top tension of 26 tons, outrigging platform structure designed to withstand 200 tons of load, including clamp, guidance system, handrails and walkways, and 6.8m diameter deployment wheel.

The hose deployment system was fully tested at Caley's quayside facility, in Glasgow prior to being shipped for integration onboard SBM Normand Installer. The system was then successfully used to deploy two offloading lines without any disruption in the assembly process.

"The dedicated hose deployment system combines careful handling of the large hose sections with ease of operation, enabling SBM Offshore to install CALM buoy hose quickly and efficiently,” says Gregor McPherson, sales director, Caley Ocean Systems Ltd.