Complex Offshore Repair in Challenging Conditions
Commissioned by the Indonesian state-owned gas company PGN (Perusahaan Gas Negara), DCN International Diving and Marine Contractors from Bergen op Zoom carried out the repair operations. The damaged pipeline had to remain fully operational throughout the intervention, making this one of the most demanding types of offshore engineering projects.
Safe Dry Working Conditions Underwater
To repair the damaged pipeline safely, a specially designed underwater habitat was used. This sealed structure creates a dry working environment beneath the water, allowing divers to perform repairs in a protected, controlled, and safe workspace.
MH Poly was responsible for developing the advanced underwater positioning system for the habitat. The system had to position the habitat with exceptional precision directly above the damaged pipeline without transferring any load to the pipeline itself.
Innovative Hydraulic Positioning System
For this project, MH Poly designed a structure equipped with long hydraulic legs that could be adjusted in two directions. This innovative solution enabled the habitat to be positioned accurately above the gas pipeline before being carefully lowered into place around it.
The greatest engineering challenge was preventing any load from being transferred to the damaged pipeline during installation. Even minimal forces could have compromised the integrity of the live gas pipeline.
To ensure maximum stability, the habitat was supported by a foundation consisting of four suction piles installed in advance in the soft seabed of the Java Sea. This provided a safe and stable platform throughout the positioning and installation process.
Successful Collaboration Under Tight Deadlines
The habitat has been successfully installed, and the repair work is well underway. The combination of an extremely tight project schedule, stringent offshore safety standards, and complex engineering requirements made this a particularly challenging project.
Through close collaboration, open communication, and a strong shared commitment among all parties involved, the project was completed successfully. The result is an innovative offshore engineering solution that contributes to the safe and efficient repair of critical subsea infrastructure.
