Second WTS Firefighting System for Prospector

By Michelle Howard July 9, 2014

Prospector 1 arrives by ship in the Cromarty Firth. (Photo courtesy of WTS)

Successful retrofit to first newbuilding sees Aberdeen-based owner specify further Low Expansion Foam system for second China-built jack-up.

Wilhelmsen Technical Solutions (WTS) has received a repeat order to install its Unitor Low Expansion Foam fire extinguishing system on a second jack-up newbuilding for Prospector Offshore Drilling.

The specialized firefighting systems will provide fire protection for the shale shakers and mud pits on Prospector 1 and Prospector 5 during their charters to Total E&P UK Ltd. Prospector 1 was delivered from Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Offshore Co Ltd in September 2013, Prospector 5 was delivered in June 2014 from Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding (SWS).

Order handling for the first contract was carried out between WTS’ Singapore and Poland offices and was completed in just 12 weeks to the satisfaction of the customer, which immediately requested a similar installation for Prospector 5.

Engineering and manufacturing for the second contract was carried by WTS Poland while the rig was still under construction, with piping pre-installed by SWS. The rig is due to arrive by heavy lift vessel at Invergordon by mid-August where final installation will be carried out.

Mike Evans, Sales Manager U.K. and Benelux, Wilhelmsen Technical Solutions said, “All owners, whether in offshore or marine demand a quick response, short delivery times and the ability to provide installation on turnkey basis. Both these contracts demanded very close teamwork across multiple locations, with good cooperation between departments to make sure we met the customer’s demands in terms of quality and timeframe.”

Calum Mitchell, Manager – Technical, Prospector Offshore Drilling, added, “The installation performed on Prospector1 at Invergordon had some initial challenges as proposed locations for the equipment and piping had to be adapted. The installation team, combined with the onshore support dealt with the issues accordingly and completed a successful install program whilst receiving high praise from the rig crew for their professionalism and execution. This was a major contributing factor to awarding the contract for the Prospector 5.”

The Unitor Low Expansion Foam fire extinguishing system is a flexible, high quality and fully compliant fire extinguishing system which effectively blankets fire and prevents further outbreak using nontoxic low expansion foam. Modular skid-based units provide easy installation and reduced footprint while corrosion resistance component materials and coatings provide a robust, low maintenance system.