InterMoor has completed design, fabrication and installation of two suction piles for the Thunder Hawk development in the Gulf of Mexico.

The two 16 ft. diameter-by-95 ft. long suction piles, each weighing 159 tons, were designed for 550 kip holdback capacity using a "Devil's Claw" chain ratcheting mechanism. They were fabricated and function tested at InterMoor’s Amelia, La., facility to meet API RP 2SK standards. The piles were used to secure the pipeline end terminals, or PLETs, for a subsea tieback to the Thunder Hawk semisubmersible in 5,800 ft. of water. An A-frameless launch method was successfully used in conjunction with high hip slings, providing added stability and resulting in a smooth pile launch sequence.

"A benefit of this project was advancing our A-frameless technology, which will be applicable for future suction piles and SEPLAs on vessels that do not have an A-frame," said Tom Bauer, project manager.

InterMoor also designed, tested and used a new PS-24 Vent Cap system instead of traditional butterfly valves, which reduced costs, shortened delivery time and ultimately proved to be highly successful.

Tags: InterMoor Inc.