Case Study: Smulders’ Selection of RSL for Dimensional Control Surveys in the Moray East Wind Farm Project
Client: Smulders Projects UK
Project Start Date: 12/02/2019
Located off the north-eastern coast of Scotland, this significant renewable energy endeavor involves the creation of a 950 MW capacity wind farm, covering an area of 295 sq. kilometers. Once completed, the wind farm is expected to supply electricity to approximately 950,000 households.
Background:
Smulders, in a joint venture with GeoSea, a subsidiary of DEME, was awarded the Moray Offshore Windfarm East contract as part of the Moray East wind farm construction project. Located off the north-eastern coast of Scotland, this significant renewable energy endeavor involves the creation of a 950 MW capacity wind farm, covering an area of 295 sq. kilometers. Once completed, the wind farm is expected to supply electricity to approximately 950,000 households.
Scope of Work:
The project's scope included the fabrication of 85-meter-high, 1,000-tonne jacket foundations. A total of 55 foundations were produced and assembled at the Smulders Projects UK yard in the United Kingdom. These massive structures were then transported and installed offshore by GeoSea.
Dimensional Control and Survey Requirements:
Given the scale and complexity of the jacket foundation fabrication, Smulders required precise and reliable dimensional control and survey assistance throughout the project. The accurate measurement and verification of dimensions at every stage of the fabrication process were critical to ensuring the structural integrity and proper assembly of the jackets.
Selection of RSL:
Smulders chose RSL (a specialist in dimensional control surveys) to undertake all dimensional control surveys for the Moray East wind farm project. This decision was driven by RSL's proven expertise and capability to provide comprehensive dimensional control services. RSL's involvement was essential to maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and quality control in the fabrication of the jacket foundations.
Implementation:
To meet the demanding requirements of the project, RSL deployed numerous dimensional control survey teams, working across all shifts to ensure continuous coverage. Their services encompassed the entire fabrication process, including:
Pre & Post Weld Surveys: RSL conducted detailed surveys of all components before and after welding to ensure they met the precise specifications required.
Setting Out of Jacket Lay Down Positions: Accurate positioning of the jackets was crucial for their stability and alignment. RSL's expertise ensured that each jacket was laid down in the correct position.
Full As-Built Surveys: Upon completion of fabrication, RSL performed comprehensive as-built surveys to verify that the final fabricated jackets conformed to the design specifications.
Flange Survey Flatness/Verification Checks: At Smulders' request, RSL also carried out additional checks on the flatness and verification of flange surveys, ensuring the components' integrity and fit.
Outcome
RSL's involvement was instrumental in the successful fabrication of the jacket foundations for the Moray East wind farm. Their meticulous dimensional control and survey services ensured that the project met its stringent quality and accuracy requirements, contributing to the overall success of the wind farm construction.
Conclusion:
Smulders' decision to select RSL for the dimensional control surveys was a key factor in the seamless execution of the Moray East wind farm project. RSL's comprehensive and precise survey services enabled Smulders and GeoSea to achieve their project goals, delivering a critical infrastructure project that will provide renewable energy to nearly a million households. This case study highlights the importance of expert dimensional control in large-scale fabrication projects and the value of collaboration between industry leaders to achieve common objectives.
