As offshore operators seek to increase hydrocarbon recovery from existing reservoirs, the need also increases for systems capable of performing well intervention services on subsea wells to increase or maintain production in a safe and cost-efficient manner. One method of accomplishing these goals is through the use of riserless light well intervention (RLWI). When deployed on monohull vessels, RLWI systems offer an alternative to conducting operations on more costly drillships.

In fourth-quarter 2014 FTO Services, a joint venture between FMC Technologies and Edison Chouest Offshore, began a five-year lease of the Island Performer, its newest deepwater RLWI vessel.

The vessel’s Ulstein X-bow and Ulstein diesel-electric propulsion system ensures exceptional performance with regards to fuel consumption, seaworthiness, speed, station keeping, stability and cargo capacity, according to Island Offshore’s technical specifications.

The DP3 vessel is 130 m (427 ft) long and is equipped with a 250-tonne active heave-compensated crane. The vessel’s Operations+ feature allows uninterrupted operations should a substantial single failure occur such as the loss of generators or thrusters, according to the technical specifications.

The deck area features a horizontal skidding system to provide safe and efficient movement of subsea equipment modules to and from the moonpool. The skidding system features rails that are welded to the ship’s main deck. System capacity is 60 t aft of moonpool and 100 t forward of the moonpool.

Equipped with FMC Technologies’ RLWI stack, Island Performer is capable of carrying out well interventions at depths of up to 2,000 m (6,500 ft) and pressures of 10,000 psi. In addition, the highly specialized subsea support vessel features two ultraheavy-duty deepsea ROVs provided by C-Innovation and a user-friendly control room. Designed to the Norwegian comfort class vessel specifications, the vessel can accommodate 130 persons in 40 single cabins and 45 double cabins.

Vessel Facts:

Sector: LWI/offshore construction/subsea umbilicals, risers and flowlines/ROV

Owner: Island Offshore

Vessel Design: Ulstein SX121

Size (length): 130 m (427 ft)

Deadweight: 8,400 tonnes

Top Speed: 15.3 knots

Deck Area: 800 sq m (8,611 sq ft)

Operating Arena: Worldwide

Classification: DNV: +1A1

Accommodation: 130 persons