Kintore construction specialist AquaTerra secures Stena IceMAX contract
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A leading north-east construction and inspection specialist has completed a major work scope on board one of the world’s largest drilling vessels.
AquaTerra Group, based in Kintore, was engaged to carry out an inspection programme on the Stena IceMAX - a sixth generation DP3 Drillship - while it was docked in Las Palmas in the Canary Islands.
The team conducted a 10-year In-Service Inspection Programme (IIP) of the drillship in accordance with DNVGL standards.
The inspection programme utilised a range of non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques including Ultrasonic Testing, MPI and Eddy Current.
Advanced NDT technique Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) was also utilised to DNVGL standard to carry out inspections of bolts and pins in situ without the need for removing them from the structures, leading to significant reductions to the inspection schedule.
Inspections were completed on drilling and subsea equipment, critical welded structures throughout the vessel as well as hull thickness gauging.
Other structures such as cranes and lifeboat davits were also inspected during the work scope.
The six-figure contract with Stena Drilling, is the first the firm has awarded to AquaTerra.
The project took around 10 weeks to complete and involved 30 skilled personnel mobilising from the UK over the course of the project.
Inspection manager at AquaTerra Group Martin Longmuir said: “We were delighted to be trusted by Stena Drilling to carry out this important work on their fleet’s sixth generation ice class drillship vessel.
"This is the first time we have worked with Stena Drilling, and I hope that this will be the start of a long relationship between our businesses.
“Our team has the experience and capability to mobilise anywhere in the world at short notice to carry out work required by our clients - whether at a quayside in the Mediterranean or on a platform in the harshest environments the North Sea can throw at them.”
A spokesperson for Stena Drilling said: “During Stena IceMAX’s extensive 10-year SPS scope AquaTerra played a key role in enabling a successful project delivered on time and on budget.
“AquaTerra used multiple non-destructive testing techniques all recognised and approved by class (DNV) while supporting in complex rigging and lifting operations across the vessel.
"Their talented and vastly experienced crews and project manager ensured all Stena Safety Management tools were fully utilised, all operations were well planned and executed safely.
"Would not hesitate in recommending AquaTerra for future scopes as they arise.”
Originally launched as an offshore rope access company in Stoneywood, Aberdeen, AquaTerra now provides innovative inspection, installation, maintenance, and training solutions for work in challenging environments right across an array of industries.
AquaTerra’s expertise has reached over 30 countries globally addressing access challenges to enable their clients to perform more efficiently and safely.
