The Normand-Installer: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

In a recent announcement, Solstad Offshore revealed that SBM Offshore has decided to extend the charter for the Normand Installer, a construction support vessel built in 2006. This extension marks a significant shift from the initial 105-day agreement, now transforming into a full-year contract set to commence in January 2020. This extension will take effect directly following the current contract, ensuring uninterrupted service for SBM Offshore.

In an impressive display of expertise and efficiency, engineers from Royston Co. executed an urgent engine overhaul on the offshore construction support vessel, the 'Normand Installer'. This speedy intervention became necessary after the vessel, which had loaded cables in Hartlepool in September 2011, experienced water leaks from an exhaust seat on one of its four Wärtsilä engines while preparing for upcoming operations off the coast of West Africa. Recognizing the potential for major disruptions, ship staff and Wärtsilä engineers swiftly called for a comprehensive inspection and pressure test of the remaining cylinder heads. Upon further investigation, it was determined that all 48 cylinder heads across the ship’s main engines required an overhaul to mitigate the risk of more severe issues and costly downtime during offshore operations. Royston’s agile engineering team, in close collaboration with a Wärtsilä service engineer, crafted a meticulous work plan aimed at maximizing head servicing while the vessel was docked. In a remarkable 12-day turnaround, the Newcastle-upon-Tyne workshop operated around the clock, successfully removing, cleaning, machining, and reinstalling 32 cylinder heads across two of the engine units. With a rigid work schedule looming for the 'Normand Installer', two engineers from Royston accompanied the Wärtsilä service engineer to Las Palmas in November, where the overhaul continued aboard the vessel. Equipped with specialized tools from Royston, the team transformed an on-board space into a makeshift workshop. This innovative setup allowed for the machining of cylinder head valves and implementation of cleaning and pressure testing operations while at sea. As the 'Normand Installer' docked in Las Palmas after a four-day journey, three additional Royston engineers joined the crew. They immediately initiated a 24-hour shift system, ensuring that servicing of every cylinder head on the ship’s four engines was completed before arriving in Abijan, Côte d’Ivoire. Thanks to this coordinated effort, the 'Normand Installer' was back to full operational capacity, ready to resume its vital offshore tasks.