Second Modular Capture Vessel for US Operation

Drydocks World announced the completion and delivery of Eagle Louisiana, the second of two Modular Capture Vessels (MCV) for the U.S. The first MCV, Eagle Texas, sailed away from Drydocks World’s yard in August last year. The vessels are the world’s first MCVs.

Drydocks World converted the AFRAmax tanker for AET, a global leader in petroleum shipping, which has a 20-year agreement with Marine Well Containment Company (MWCC) for the operation of the MCVs. Ten world-renowned companies form MWCC:  ExxonMobil, Chevron, BP, ConocoPhillips, Anadarko, Shell, Apache, Statoil , BHP Billiton, Hess - all of them committed to safe deepwater drilling in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. The MCVs will operate as normal tankers in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and will be outfitted and deployed for containment services in the event of a deepwater well control incident in the region.

“We have once again proven our exemplary project management capabilities, engineering solutions, commitment to the industry and the drive to face challenges in delivering pioneering projects with world leaders like AET and MWCC,” said H.E. Khamis Juma Buamim, Chairman of Drydocks World & Maritime World.  “This is a pioneering project. A newly-fabricated subsea containment assembly will attach to risers and other containment equipment to direct the flow of fluids to the MCVs for processing and storage. We are delighted to have been associated with this ground-breaking project. This accomplishment also represents two million man-hours without a single Lost Time Injury, which together with the four million man-hours on Eagle Texas is quite an outstanding achievement.”

The work scope of the shipyard included installing components such as four retractable azimuth thrusters, one tunnel bow thruster, new machinery spaces, diesel generator sets and associated tanks, auxiliaries, switchboards, and electrical distribution equipment. The main engine was modified for Controllable Pitch Propeller (CPP) operation and a control system was added for dynamic positioning, power management and equipment monitoring. Structural support stools and foundations were added for the future installation of topsides processing modules, a turret, flare tower, communications equipment, control facilities and other miscellaneous equipment. 

The ship’s systems were modified to provide services to topsides processing equipment, as well as hydraulic systems for the CPP, thrusters, cargo valve control and fire pumps.  A new main deck central pipe rack was fabricated and piping was installed to support topsides processing equipment. The ship‘s living quarters were also upgraded to accommodate more than 65 persons.  Mechanical completion, pre-commissioning, commissioning, testing and sea trials of the converted vessel were also carried out.

The amount of steel used for the Eagle Louisiana project is 2,530 metric tons with 19.68 km of pipes and electrical cables of 292 km also utilized. The MCVs will individually have 700,000 barrels of liquid storage capacity, and can process, store and offload the liquids to shuttle tankers. The process equipment will separate the liquids from gas, safely store the liquids and flare the gas. Then the liquids will be offloaded to shuttle tankers which will transport the liquids to shore.  With the delivery of the MCVs, Drydocks World has created a name for itself in sophisticated vessel conversions.