Noble Denton reports the award of six-figure contract from Zhejiang Shipbuilding Co, Ningbo for the failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) and trials for a dynamic positioning (DP) Class 3 ten-vessel new build programme, due for completion in 2012.

Noble Denton is working with the Chinese shipbuilding yard to develop an FMEA and trials programme which satisfies both owner and vessel Class requirements. The FMEA and yard design has to consider not only the failure of static components, but also the loss of complete compartments through either fire or flood, making the build programme and analysis more complex.

Noble Denton is providing specialist support at the design and planning stage to review and offer guidance on the implications of the design and placement of equipment including fire and flood boundaries, plus the need for additional DP control stations and associated equipment

The contract follows previous collaborations between the two companies, which started in 2005 when a French firm approached Noble Denton to carry out FMEA on eight purpose-built DP supply vessels. This was the first time Noble Denton had joined forces with the Chinese shipbuilding yard and represented Zhejiang Shipbuilding Co’s earliest work on a build of this type for the offshore industry. This contract success led to Noble Denton being named the preferred supplier for a number of more advanced vessel builds.

Richard Cox, Noble Denton dynamic positioning director, said: “We enjoy a very positive working relationship with Zhejiang Shipbuilding Co. and this latest contract award is a testament to the success of our previous work. We have extensive experience and expertise in the DP sector and I am confident this project will be a success.”

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