Janu

ary

2013

page 3

page 8Strong growth potential for broader Boskalis Offshore

page 5Busy salvage caseload following groundings

page 10Subsea Services active

around the globe

page 4Core towage business steady

in european ports

page 12SMIT Amandla Marine expands

business in Mozambique

More

Taklift 4 installed a series of 12 modules on to FPSO Cidade de Paraty, in Brazil.

Going forward 2

SMIT Towage fleet in Brazil continues to expand 3

Finding a place of refuge 7

Taklift 4 returns to Brazil 9

Wind energy generates transport workload 9

Windparks and FPSOs feature in marine contracting workload 10Two new anchor handling

tugs to join fleet

A SMIT tug providing assistance in the port of Gladstone, Australia.

SMIT tugs assisting a tanker in Angra dos Reis, Brazil.

We achieved a major goal during the second

half of 2012 - the completion of the Boskalis

SMIT integration, together with the physical

relocations required during this process. All

activities, except SMIT Towage Northwest

Europe that continues to operate from its

Rotterdam base in the Waalhaven, moved to

the Boskalis headquarters in Papendrecht.

SMIT Salvage and SMIT's towage activities

will maintain their organisational structure

and brand name. The other three SMIT busi-

nesses, Transport & Heavy Lift, Subsea and

Marine Projects now form part of a new

division under the brand name Boskalis

Offshore. Smit Lamnalco is now housed in

the premises in the Waalhaven. The new

organisation enjoyed an early success in its

new home, with the award of new contracts

in Iraq and Papua New Guinea.

With our strategy for further progress finalised,

we entered the New Year in excellent spirits.

With regard to our towage activities, our deci-

sions have been guided by a straightforward

principle: businesses not requiring significant

corporate input and support need not be

based at Papendrecht. We operate at ports

across the world and these businesses are, in

effect, operations controlled very effectively at

regional, national and local level.

In contrast, a number of other activities, like

marine contracting and wreck removal opera-

tions, are more complex and can involve sub-

stantial commitment of the Group’s multi-dis-

ciplined expertise.

This also applies to the group’s new offshore

division, Boskalis Offshore, which is responsible

for the group’s offshore oil and gas and renew-

able energy activities. The division embraces

both Boskalis’ existing oil and gas related activ-

ities - such as pipeline intervention, or more

specifically dredging, trenching and protection

of pipelines - and the three former SMIT busi-

ness units: Subsea, Transport & Heavy Lift and

Marine Projects. Transport and Heavy Lift, by

way of example, is now reinforced by the wide

range of technical, engineering, estimating

and other expertise available.

In support of the objectives Boskalis defined

regarding its activities in the oil and gas

markets an investment programme was

started that has resulted in an expansion of

specialised equipment. These new additions

concern for example the new fallpipe vessel

Rockpiper, delivered in 2012, two newbuild

100 tbp anchor handlers, to enter service soon,

and the acquisition of two more anchor han-

dlers, equipped with 180 tbp.

We also intend to further broaden our mari-

time services offering to the offshore energy

market. A very important development in

this respect is Boskalis’ offer for Dockwise. The

acquisition of the large Dockwise fleet of semi-

submersible heavy transport vessels would

significantly enhance Boskalis’ position in the

market for major transport and installation

projects.

The business visionWe are forging ahead with the Boskalis’ busi-

ness vision, which is to be recognised as a

leading dredging, marine contracting and

services provider for the infrastructure, energy

and ports sectors. In pursuing this vision, we

continue to offer our clients solutions these are

based on enhanced added value.

Equally, we recognise the value of the SMIT

brand, with its global reputation for excel-

lence in the towage and salvage sectors. These

businesses will continue to operate under the

banner of SMIT Salvage and SMIT Towage.

Towage operations remain steadyDuring the past half-year SMIT Towage has

continued to operate in a generally stable

market environment, although there is some

variation region to region. Taken overall, ton-

nage volumes show little variation. The broad

trend here is far fewer vessel calls by ever

larger ships. We are responding by bringing in

new tugs with higher bollard pulls.

Busy start 2013 for SMIT Salvage SMIT Salvage was off to a busy start of the

year, with the award of a LOF contract for the

salvage of drilling unit Kulluk. The platform-

grounded off the Alaskan coast after it had

lost its towing line in severe weather condi-

tions. SMIT Salvage organised an immediate

response, successfully refloated the platform

and towed the Kulluk to a safe location for fur-

ther assessment.

SMIT Salvage continued to provide global

emergency response services during the

second half of 2012 for a number of ves-

sels. The notable casualty salvage operations

included the response to the explosion and fire

on board the container vessel MSC Flaminia.

During the second half, SMIT Salvage also com-

pleted the Hyundai 105 project, a major wreck

removal in Indonesian waters.

New Boskalis Offshore divisionThe Boskalis Offshore division looks forward to a

busy 2013, amongst others with two recent con-

tract awards. Business unit Subsea Contracting

was awarded in joint venture a contract by the

international energy company Statoil for various

rock installation works in the North Sea and the

Norwegian Sea. Boskalis Offshore will prepare

the seabed for the installation of pipelines and

other structures on the sea floor as well as the

installation of post-lay rock berms.

In addition, Boskalis Offshore has been

awarded a subsea contract for the Dan Bravo

Rationalisation (DABRAT) project for Maersk

Oil in the Danish section of the North Sea. The

project involves both the preparation and

construction work to the Dan A and Dan B

offshore oil production facilities. Two diving

support vessels, Protea and Constructor, will be

deployed to execute this subsea work that will

take place in 2013 and 2014.

Boskalis Offshore - Subsea Services (previ-

ously Subsea) enjoyed a good second half

year, with significant growth in its activities in

the North Sea and elsewhere in North West

Europe. The DSVs Protea and Constructor were

heavily utilised. In addition, Smit Komodo was

re-deployed from Asia to Europe for Boskalis

Hirdes’ project work.

The increasing activity level seen in Subsea

Services’ European work portfolio has been

enhanced by the availability of our new Work

Class ROVs.

Turning to the Division’s business unit Marine

Services (previously Transport & Heavy Lift),

they saw the acquisition of two large anchor

handlers, now operating as Union Princess and

Union Sovereign, in the second half of 2012.

These vessels, ideal for deployment in the oil

and gas sector, have already received positive

market acceptance.

As for the heavy lifting activities, the sheerlegs

fleet enjoyed a strong final quarter. Taklift 4

was busy in Brazil and Taklifts 6 and 7 were

occupied in the European region. In Asia, the

demand for sheerlegs services remains high.

Boskalis Offshore’s Marine Contracting (pre-

viously Marine Projects) activities also saw a

busy last six months. The closing months of

last year were demanding, with preparations

under way for the West of Duddon Sands

offshore wind project in the Irish Sea. This

involves seabed preparation works and the

transport and installation of 108 wind turbines.

The contract involves Boskalis Offshore and

Volker Construction International. The forward

work programme for Marine Contracting activ-

ities also includes the MODEC FPSO installa-

tion, in Brazilian waters, and the installation of

another FPSO in northern UK waters.

We are eager to build on positive market indi-

cators and, in particular, Boskalis Offshore’s

new and much broader offering of maritime

services. We are seeking substantial growth in

the oil and gas sector – our efforts here now

reinforced by our integrated expertise, all

based together in Papendrecht.

This will be the last issue of “TUG Magazine” in its

current format. We will now devise new means

of keeping you up-to-date with our news, in

ways which reflect the new organisational struc-

ture. Above all else, we look forward to continu-

ing to deliver excellence to our clients.

Frank Verhoeven

Chairman, SMIT

GOING FORWARD

On Tuesday 20 November 2012, newly

built Smit Seraya was launched at Guijing

Shipyard in China. The Smit Seraya is one of

two new anchor handling tugs (AHT) cur-

rently under construction. The vessels are

now being finalised to join the fleet in the

coming month. Smit Seraya is scheduled for

delivery in April 2013 and sister vessel Smit

Sentosa will enter service this February.

Both 100 tbp newbuildings are anchor han-

dling tugs, but the 32 ton crane, FiFi 1 unit,

and extended accommodation for 24 persons,

make that the vessels are very versatile. In

addition to deployment for anchor operations,

they are also are well-equipped for salvage

activities, including emergency response, and

the support of pipelay operations and con-

struction barges.

TWO NeW ANchOR hANDlING TuGS TO jOIN FleeT

Taken overall, business levels in 2012 were

stable for SMIT Harbour Towage opera-

tions beyond Europe. At the same time, the

challenges in the container sector, arising

from declines in volumes from China and

elsewhere in the Far East, are likely to per-

sist over the next six to 12 months. Today’s

shipping environment is characterised by

the prevailing trend - fewer calls by larger

vessels.

The bulk sector was stable in 2012, although

levels were still some way from those seen in

2007. The major Asian economies continue

to display growth. China leads the way, with

growth in tonnage well above five per cent.

The Japanese and Australian markets are

stable. In the latter case, however, volumes of

coal and iron ore are still on the increase. In

South America, volumes are still growing in

Brazil.

Brazil is a core business area for SMIT Towage

and other SMIT and Boskalis activities. The

Brazilian market has been galvanised by the

phenomenal success of this country’s oil and

gas sector. Looking at the Brazilian ports, gen-

eral cargo volumes are still on the increase,

although the vigorous rate of growth enjoyed

in recent years may slow somewhat. SMIT’s

Brazilian fleet continues to expand. The first in

a series of six new 45 tonnes bollard pull tugs

arrived in December. The remaining five will

join the fleet at a rate of one per month until

May. This will increase SMIT’s Brazilian tug fleet

from 18 to 24 units (plus an additional three on

bareboat charter). The four “frontrunners” still

operating in Brazil will be phased out during

the first half of this year.

New business for Smit lamnalcoThe Smit Lamnalco terminals business

began operating from its new base at SMIT’s

Waalhaven building, Rotterdam, during the

final weeks of 2012. Location at Waalhaven is

already maximising the synergies between

the integrated SMIT Terminals and Lamnalco

businesses.

The year ended on a promising note, with

the award of two new contracts for Smit

Lamnalco. A 10-year LNG terminal support

contract in Papua New Guinea was awarded.

The second is a three-year support contract

for an Iraqi oil export facility, commencing

this month (January). A fleet of 10 vessels is

required for the Iraqi contract, calling for the

support of oil export SPMs. Two new Damen

3213 tugs will join the fleet for this contract.

SMIT TOWAGe FleeT IN BRAZIl cONTINueS TO eXPAND

3

tug magazine

The second half of 2012 unfolded in much

the same way as the first six months for

SMIT’s towage operations in Europe. In

Rotterdam-Europoort, business was steady

in the core areas of bulk carrier and con-

tainership movements, with the second

half encouraging in terms of the number of

“specials” assisted. This was a period when

many platforms and jack-ups were involved

in maintenance and drydockings.

In Zeebrugge - where SMIT secured a new,

seven-year concession for harbour towage at

the end of 2011 - there were signs of revival

in the LNG sector. Yet, taken overall, LNG in

Europe remains under pressure, given strong

demand in Japan. Equally, the signs of recovery

now evident at Zeebrugge are also reflected,

to some extent, by improved LNG throughputs

in Rotterdam.

In the container sector, both Zeebrugge and

Antwerp suffered somewhat due to the decline

in Asian markets. At the same time, business

levels at Liverpool held firm during the second

half, boosted by the additional activity linked

to offshore projects and associated barge traf-

fic. In response, a sixth tug reinforced SMIT’s

Liverpool fleet until the end of the year.

New operational structureRecent new developments in SMIT’s har-

bour towage operational management in

Europe have reduced the number of SMIT

Coordination Centres (SCCs) from three to two.

The remaining SCCs are located at Antwerp

and Rotterdam. The latter is now also responsi-

ble for the operational management of activi-

ties at Terneuzen, Flushing and Ghent.

These streamlined control arrangements pro-

vide more efficient despatch over the entire

operational region, which is now managed as

a single port area. The focus on Antwerp and

central Rotterdam, as control centres, marks

the first step towards the creation of a single

virtual management centre from these bases

- each handling business at any of the region’s

ports as a matter of course and in a seamless

manner.

There have also been changes in SMIT’s

towage fleet composition in Europe. These

follow on from the addition of the two

Singapore-built, 85 tonnes bollard pull tugs

Smit Emoe and Smit Kiwi. Both are now

working at Zeebrugge. These tugs were

named at a joint ceremony at Zeebrugge on

September 29. Their arrival freed the Union

Emerald and Union Ruby for deployment else-

where in North West Europe, triggering various

re-deployments introducing more power-

ful tugs. Furthermore, a bareboat-chartered

Damen 3213 tug has joined the Zeebrugge

fleet, which now consists of the 96 tonnes

bollard pull tugs Smit Lion and Smit Tiger, the

Smit Emoe and Smit Kiwi and the 65 tonnes

bollard pull Union Coral and Union Pearl.

There have also been changes in training

arrangements for SMIT Harbour Towage tug

crews in Europe. This is now focused entirely

on simulator facilities in Antwerp, which are

used to train tug crews and pilots.

The two 320 degrees simulators will train

SMIT’s new generation of tug Captains. These

simulators provide training on all tug types

now operating in the SMIT Fleet.

cORe TOWAGe BuSINeSS STeADY IN euROPeAN PORTS

A series of vessel groundings produced a

run of Lloyd’s Open Forms for SMIT Salvage

during the second half of 2012. They

involved a number of cases in the Asian

region, including the 735 TEU container

vessel Conmar Cape. This vessel grounded

in the Philippines, in the Subic Bay area.

This 2002-built, German-owned vessel

grounded during early November. A SMIT

Salvage team responded and, upon arrival,

found the casualty sitting on rocks and heavily

damaged. The team managed to refloat her by

a combination of retrimming and reballasting,

without the need for lightering. This project

was brought to a successful conclusion in asso-

ciation with local partner Malayan Towage &

Salvage.

Other Asian cases include the Petrobras tanker

Itaperuna, aground at the Isle of Bintang, in

Indonesian waters adjacent to Singapore. A

response was organised on commercial terms.

This vessel had just left drydock when she had

the misfortune to strike a rock pinnacle. This

caused substantial bottom damage, including

a large gash, 18 m long by up to 2 m wide.

This casualty was in ballast and at anchor, with

internal spaces – including the engineroom –

flooded. The vessel was retrimmed, stabilised

and redelivered at Singapore on October 29,

nine days after the commencement of salvage

work.

A third Asian case concerned the 30,000 dwt,

double-hulled product tanker Prathiba

Cauvery, which was at anchor off the Indian

port of Chennai when the grounding occurred.

The tanker dragged her anchors in a Monsoon

storm and was eventually driven onto the

beach.

A Salvage Master and team soon arrived on

site and carried out an initial inspection. There

was a great deal of ballast within the casualty

and the generators and other systems could

not be activated. Ballast was discharged by

gravity and by the use of four powerful sub-

mersible pumps.

This LOF service was performed by SMIT India

Marine. The 1981-built vessel was refloated

with the assistance of a chartered tug of 200

tonnes bollard pull. The casualty, which lacked

anchors at that point, was controlled after the

refloating by an Indian Emergency Towing

Vessel. The Prathiba Cauvery was redelivered in

the port of Chennai.

Elsewhere in the world, responses included

assistance for the grounded 500 TEU container

feeder vessel Vega Sagittarius. Having just

departed the port of Nuuk, Greenland, she

ran aground on August 16 and breached all

double bottom tanks. The grounding occurred

within one hour of High Water. The salvage

team – from Houston and Rotterdam – discov-

ered that the casualty was sitting on multiple

rock pinnacles and had a six degrees list. Her

stern was in deep water but her unsupported

bow extended well above the low water mark.

Logistics was an important issue during this

operation. Air connections to Greenland are

via Copenhagen, yet SMIT’s team arrived

within 24 hours of the grounding. Equipment

was flown into the nearest suitable airport and

then trucked across Greenland to Nuuk.

Vega Sagittarius was a new vessel, delivered

in 2012. The casualty’s position was precarious

and her condition was deteriorating rapidly.

Refloating would be challenging. Calculations

revealed that a full discharge of cargo, coupled

with the selective pressurisation of breached

spaces, ballast discharge and external pull

force, would be required to free this casualty.

The remote location of the grounding site

was another challenge. Nevertheless, a major

response was organised and a powerful tug

(175 tonnes bollard pull) was mobilised from

West Europe. Fortune smiled on this opera-

tion, which began to unfold during a period

of unusually benign weather. The casualty’s

own gear was used to discharge containers to

a local barge, which made a “shuttle run” to a

reception area in the port. The boxes had to

be moved to the casualty’s stern - where the

barge had sufficient water to go alongside. The

casualty was refloated on August 29 and rede-

livered the next day.

Refloatings at mid-year included the 175,000

dwt capesize bulk carrier Flash, which

grounded in Tunisian waters. The vessel went

aground on a rocky outcrop off the island

of Galite, breaching several ballast tank.

Subsequently, the engineroom flooded. Flash

was on a voyage from Hampton Roads, in the

USA, to Taranto, Italy, with a cargo of 165,000

tonnes of coal.

A Salvage Master and an advance team arrived

on scene, together with a support tug mobi-

lised from Italy. SMIT Salvage local partners

OMMP also participated in this response. It

was obvious, from the first, that an substan-

tial part-discharge of the coal cargo would be

required, if refloating was to be achieved. Work

began promptly. A tanker arrived on scene to

take off bunkers. A small, geared combi car-

rier, the Veelerdiep, began taking off cargo. A

second lightering vessel, the HR Constellation,

was also involved in the part-discharge, fol-

lowed by the larger, 70,000 dwt geared vessel

Barkal. In total, some 70,000 tonnes of coal was

offloaded, with simultaneous and careful bal-

lasting keeping the casualty stable as the oper-

ation progressed. A refloating was achieved

with the assistance of large pumps, installed

in hold no. 4 following discharge of this space.

The availability of an empty hold was essential

for ballasting amidships.

When the large bulk carrier floated free, the

powerful tug Union Manta was on hand to

control her. This tug was later succeeded by

the Union Princess. In addition, a Turkish tug

attended on-scene, acting as a salvage support

platform. The refloating was achieved in early

August and the Flash was redelivered three

weeks later.

BuSY SAlVAGe cASelOAD FOllOWING GROuNDINGS

The SMIT Coordination Centre (SCC) in Rotterdam is now also

responsible for the operational management of activities at

Terneuzen, Flushing and Ghent.

Newly built tugs Smit Emoe and Smit Kiwi entered service in

Zeebrugge last September.

Harbour tug Smit Schelde assisting a tanker in the port of Rotterdam, Netherlands.

Bulk carrier Frontier Oasis assisted by SMIT tugs at arrival in the port of Rotterdam, Netherlands.

SMIT tugs provide assistance to Heerama's

Balder in the Europoort, Netherlands.

A major response was organised to refloat the grounded con-

tainer feeder vessel Vega Sagittarius off the Greenland coast.SMIT's powerful AHTS vessel Union Manta took part in the

salvage of bulk carrier Flash.

SMIT Salvage refloated tanker Prathiba Cauvery

that had grounded in severe weather conditions.

Cargo and bunker oil were discharged during the salvage of grounded bulk carrier Flash.

5

tug magazine

colophonFor any information about specific activities,

equipment and services, please apply to:

Department Corporate Communications

Rosmolenweg 20

P.O. Box 43

3350 AA Papendrecht

Tel + 31 78 696 90 00

E-mail communications@boskalis.com

Editor

Department Corporate Communications

Texts

TRS Public Relations

Department Corporate Communications

Design & production

Studio Clarenburg, Schiedam

Photography

Roderik van Nispen

Peter de Haas

Aerolin

Various colleagues

Printing

Scheffer Drukkerij, Dordrecht

Copyright

Texts can only be reproduced after

permission from the editor.

Last year saw two shipboard fire cases

which served to highlight the continuing

difficulty faced by salvors when seeking a

place of refuge for ship casualties.

The first operation, which ran from March to

June 2012, concerned the chemical tanker

Stolt Valor. The vessel suffered a midships

fire and explosion whilst proceeding in the

Arabian Gulf. This was a substantial Lloyd’s

Open Form salvage involving five tugs, special-

ised firefighting equipment and a strong sal-

vage team, including a marine chemist.

The Stolt Valor fire was extinguished and the

environmental threat was much reduced by

the removal of bunkers. The casualty was then

prepared for the ship-to-ship transfer of two

chemical parcels. This was undertaken safely in

adverse circumstances, despite the casualty’s

weakened hull.

Concerns over hull integrity gave the search for

a place of refuge great urgency. SMIT Salvage

set up a special team to identify and negoti-

ate for a suitable refuge. The casualty was in

the middle of the Arabian Gulf and the Salvage

Master’s preferred destination was Bahrain. It

was over one month after completion of the

discharge of cargo (and many modifications to

the passage plan and supporting calculations)

before conditions were met and the Stolt Valor

was eventually allowed to enter Bahrain and

dock at the ASRY Shipyard.

Saving MSc FlaminiaThe second case involved the 6,732 TEU

German-owned containership MSC Flaminia.

Here, the task of securing a place of refuge

proved even more challenging. The saga

began on July 14, when an explosion took

place and the vessel caught fire.

SMIT Salvage and Fairmount Marine fought the

fire. Three tugs were mobilised on the day of

the explosion.

The presence of dangerous cargo made for

a difficult, protracted firefighting operation.

With the fire contained and structural integrity

assessed and confirmed, the onward voyage to

a safe refuge continued – but where?

Eventually, MSC Flaminia was safely deliv-

ered at Wilhelmshaven, where she arrived on

September 10, but not before some intensive

negotiations with various governments con-

cerning the need for shelter and, ultimately,

entry. The issues here included the casualty’s

draft, weather restrictions, the potential for

pollution, the maintenance of safe atmo-

spheres and, of course, berth availability.

The administrations involved in these dis-

cussions included the Irish Republic, the UK,

France, The Netherlands, Belgium, Spain,

Portugal and, eventually, Germany. The

MSC Flamina emergency happened in mid-

ocean. Clearly, the challenge of gaining entry

at a location where the accident occurs is

quite different from a situation where the acci-

dent happens far from territorial waters, yet

successful resolution depends on the ability to

enter a place of refuge.

These cases underline the importance of the

salvor’s experience in leading the search for

shelter and refuge. This requires expertise and

tact when dealing with concerned govern-

ments and agencies, together with regional

and local authorities. In some cases ,such as

the Flaminia, this may involve the establish-

ment of a dedicated, expert unit within the

SMIT Salvage organisation, to manage the dis-

cussions and ensure that the salvage operation

is brought to a successful conclusion.

FINDING A PlAce OF ReFuGe

Response to shipboard firesSMIT teams responded to several ship fires

in the August/September period. One case

involved the newly-converted FPSO ARC II/

Cidade de Itajai, off Singapore. Fire broke out

in the engineroom during sea trials. SMIT’s

Singapore base responded as the crew aban-

doned the FPSO. The fire was brought under

control and then extinguished during the

following day. With her draft returned to port

level, the FPSO was towed and escorted by

five tugs back to the shipyard, where she was

redelivered.

The second fire case concerned the cable layer

Chamarel, which suffered an engineroom fire

whilst off the Namibian coast. The fire spread

rapidly and burnt out the accommodation. The

crew abandoned the vessel, which then drifted

ashore at a remote location (some 200 km

north of Walvis Bay).

The operation to remove the environmental

threat from this casualty was undertaken by

SMIT’s base in Cape Town, reinforced by a team

from Rotterdam. The oil was pumped to a

buffer tank on board, then to a reception blad-

der ashore and was ultimately transferred to

road tankers. At the time of writing, technical

investigations were under way, to explore the

best way to remove the vessel from the beach.

Other salvage/support operationsThe more unusual tasks undertaken by SMIT

Salvage in recent months included the pump-

out of two of New York’s deepest subway sta-

tions, following Tropical Storm Sandy. The work

was carried out in association with SMIT’s part-

ner, Donjon.

In South America, a difficult oil removal opera-

tion was undertaken at Sao Luis, where the

Korean-owned jack-up construction platform

Sep Orion capsized alongside a jetty exten-

sion (designed to accommodate 400,000 dwt

vessels).

The quantity of oil inside was relatively small,

amounting to around 30 m3 , but the difficul-

ties of removal were immense, due to zero

visibility and very strong currents at the site.

Diving was limited to a maximum of just 30

minutes on the neaps. This contract included

inspection, reporting, the recovery of the oil

and other pollutants and stabilisation (Sep

Orion had suffered a broken leg).

Stabilisation was achieved by tying back the

leg to the main structure. In the meantime,

the scope of work was expanded with debris

recovery as well. At time of writing, SMIT

Salvage has also started preparations for the

mobilisation of specialised equipment to

remove the platform.

Emergency Towing Vessel (ETV) Smit Amandla came to the aid of a vessel that grounded on Clifton beach, South Africa.

SMIT Salvage successfully completed the wreck removal of sunken car carrier Hyundai 105, Indonesia in 2012.

A fire-fighting operation in the Arabian Gulf, off Bahrain.

SMIT Salvage came to the rescue of MSC Flaminia that had

suffered an explosion on board.

7

tug magazine

Offshore energy is a core market for

Boskalis. The expansion of activities in this

sector – oil and gas and renewable energy –

is already under way, under the banner of

a new and much broader-based Boskalis

Offshore.

In addition to Boskalis’ existing offshore activi-

ties for the energy sector, the new Boskalis

Offshore division now also includes the three

former SMIT businesses Subsea, Transport &

Heavy Lift and Marine Projects. All are now

based together at Boskalis’ Papendrecht head-

quarters. It is Boskalis Offshore’s ambition to

become widely recognised as a first class off-

shore services provider and to be accepted as a

highly capable lead contactor in its own right.

Boskalis Offshore now provides comprehen-

sive seabed and surface-based contracting

services for the oil and gas industry, for assign-

ments ranging from pipelay (trenching, back-

filling, rock-dumping and free-span correction)

to platform installation, the installation of

floating units (such as FPSOs and SPMs) and

decommissioning projects. Another impor-

tant area of activity, under the new and larger

division, is the IRM and light construction work

undertaken by subsea specialists.

Renewable energy is also a significant market,

with businesses within Boskalis Offshore now

offering packages for major wind park projects,

from cable lay to foundation installation.

Over the next few years Boskalis Offshore will

continue to develop its profile as a reliable

main contractor for offshore energy projects,

offering all the necessary know-how, capa-

bilities and assets within the Group. The aim

here is to grow a portfolio of main contractor

projects as today’s majors move increasingly

into deeper water and more challenging envi-

ronments. One recent step forward, unfolding

at the time of writing, is the Boskalis offer for

Dockwise. The addition of the Dockwise fleet

of 25 semi-submersible heavy transport vessels

would position Boskalis as a front-runner for

very large transportation and installation pro-

jects worldwide.

Moving forwardBoskalis Offshore is building on its early experi-

ence of integrated working from its new base

on the second floor at Papendrecht. This has

shortened lines of communication and made

for more efficient sharing of knowledge and

networks. This means more effective deploy-

ment of the vessels and other assets. The focus

for development embraces all six Boskalis core

markets: Europe, West Africa, Brazil, the Middle

East, South East Asia and Australia.

This is an exciting period at Boskalis Offshore.

The new synergies have brought forth a new

spirit - visible in the division’s approach to

current projects and challenges. One example

is Ichthys – a gas export pipeline develop-

ment for Saipem in the Browse Basin, Darwin,

Australia. The scope of work - to be executed

over the 2013-15 period - involves an 18 km

pipeline trench, a 3,000 m pipe pull for the

landfill and the installation of rock protection.

Boskalis Offshore’s comprehensive subsea IRM

capability was highlighted last year, with the

extensive work programme successfully com-

pleted for Maersk Oil. This involves some 40

offshore platforms and associated infrastruc-

ture. The project teams completed around

4,000 distinct inspection tasks, requiring air,

saturation diving and ROV services. Three

diving support vessels participated: Smit

Komodo (ROV support); Constructor (SAT

diving); and EDT Protea (air diving).

Notable projects to be tackled by Boskalis

Offshore include the major West of Duddon

Sands wind energy development in the Irish

Sea. This requires the transport and installation

of 108 turbine foundations, including seabed

preparation and scour protection. The trans-

port phase alone involves 22 voyages from

the fabrication yard at Aalborg, Denmark, to

Belfast.

Meanwhile, work will continue this year on the

clearance of ordnance in German waters. The

contracts involve Boskalis Hirdes and Boskalis

Offshore - Subsea Services. This work is essen-

tial if offshore wind energy developments are

to proceed.

STRONG GROWTh POTeNTIAl FOR NeW BOSkAlIS OFFShORe DIVISION

Boskalis Offshore - Marine Services’ heavy

lift operations during the second half of

2012 included a return to Brazil for the

sheerlegs Taklift 4. This sheerlegs began

lifting operations at the yard of Brasfels/

Keppel on September 1. The assignment,

carried out on behalf of SBM, involved the

lift of a series of 12 modules for the FPSO

Cidade de Paraty. The lifting programme

went smoothly and was completed by

October 18.

At the time of writing, Taklift 4 was still in

Brazil, mobilising for a SMIT Salvage opera-

tion to clear the capsized jack-up platform Sep

Orion at Sao Luis, in the north of the country.

Dual lift in NorwayOther assignments for the sheerlegs during

the second half of 2012 included Taklift 6’s

visit to Floro, in Norway, in the company of a

second sheerlegs, Matador 3. The two crane

vessels were required for the dual lift of a J-lay

tower for a Technip vessel.

Taklift 6 was also deployed to assist in lifting

operations at Rotterdam on behalf of Damen

Shipyards. This involved the lift of large barge

hulls (built in China) from a heavy transport

vessel.

Taklift 7, meanwhile, continues its long-term

assignment with Boskalis Hirdes. This com-

pany is engaged in the large-scale clearance of

ordnance from planned wind park sites in the

German Bight. The sheerlegs arrived in German

waters in October and is acting as an accom-

modation/work platform for the Hirdes project

team.

Projects aheadHeavy lift bookings this year include an assign-

ment for Taklift 6 in Scandinavia. The sheerlegs

is required by the Norwegian group Scanmet

to assist in the decommissioning of the

Draugen FLP.

This visit, to Stord, is programmed for the

first week in March. Work will begin with the

removal of the FLP’s topsides. Subsequently,

the column will be subjected to an induced

list, which will allow lifting connections to be

made. The final phase will involve bringing the

FLP to the horizontal floating condition by a

combination of lifting and controlled ballast-

ing. The column will be then towed into the

yard for decommissioning.

Other heavy lift operations during the first

quarter will include a visit to Antwerp by

Taklift 6 - accompanied, once again, by

Matador 3. The sheerlegs are booked for the

dual lift of a jacket from the quayside.

Looking further ahead, Taklift 7 is booked for

a programme of heavy lifts required for the

Forth Crossing bridge installation works. The

sheerlegs will carry out pylon installation lifts

for this new, cable–stayed bridge. Taklift 7’s

work on site will begin in March 2014.

TAklIFT 4 ReTuRNS TO BRAZIl

Boskalis Offshore - Marine Services’ trans-

port operations enjoyed high levels of

utilisation last year. The pace of 2012 was

reflected in the busy 24/7 operations at

Birkenhead, in the UK, supporting Seaway

Heavy Lifting offshore wind park construc-

tion operations off Liverpool.

The main support requirement was to handle

barges entering the confined tidal basin of

Cammell Laird at Birkenhead. This task was in

its concluding phase at the time of writing.

Seaway Heavy Lifting is the main contractor

for the installation of the wind park’s mono-

piles and transition pieces. Two AHT vessels,

Smit Angola and Union Boxer, were deployed

to Birkenhead to assist with barge-handling.

Boskalis Offshore has tendered for a second

phase of support activities at Birkenhead,

which is scheduled to commence in May.

The drive for offshore wind energy also pro-

vided work for Union Sapphire for much of

2012. Under a contract which began in April

and was completed in September, Union

Sapphire supported the jack-up barge JB117

– engaged in BARD’s Offshore 1 project. Union

Sapphire undertook anchorhandling and

barge-towing duties.

New Year’s work programmeTransport activities during 2013 include fresh

assignments from Heerema for the vessels

Union Manta and President Hubert. Both ves-

sels have new one-year contracts. Previously,

Union Manta spent some 18 months in

Angolan waters, assisting Heerema crane

vessel Thialf in Block 31. President Hubert

spent much of 2012 assisting Heerema in the

North Sea.

This year’s work programme will also see

the deployment of a B Class vessel for a

Boskalis project at Rotterdam-Europoort. The

vessel will participate in a ploughing/level-

ling programme required for the port’s new

Maasvlakte 2 development.

Two recent additions to the fleet - the large

anchorhandlers Union Sovereign and Union

Princess - are also busy. Union Sovereign, for

example, was contracted to tow the Saipem

pipelay vessel Castoro 7 from Rotterdam to

Curaçao.

Giant 2 has also been booked by Saipem, for

the transport of a large topsides from Cadiz

to the North Sea. The 24,000 dwt semi-sub-

mersible barge is mobilising from Singapore

to Cadiz to load the topsides (with a weight

exceeding 8,000 tonnes). It is destined for the

Jasmine Field, in the UK sector of the North

Sea.

WIND eNeRGY GeNeRATeS TRANSPORT WORklOAD

SuBSea SeRViCeS Air/saturation diving and ROV services

Inspection, repair and maintenance of

subsea infrastructure

Subsea construction and removal services

maRine SeRViCeS Charter of anchor handling tugs, barges and

sheerlegs

Complementary maritime project manage-

ment and engineering services to the

chartering

SuBSea COntRaCting

Landfall solutions

Trenching and backfilling

Rock installation

Cable installation

maRine COntRaCting

Transport and installation of fixed and

floating offshore structures

Decommissioning of offshore platforms

Union Sapphire provided support services

for BARD's Offshore 1 project.

Union Sovereign with Castoro 7 at arrival in Curaçao, the

Union Sovereign towed the vessel from the Netherlands.

Taklift 4 installing the last of 12 modules on to FPSO Cidade de

Paraty in Angra dos Reis, Brazil.

9

tug magazine

Boskalis Offshore - Marine Contracting is

firmly focused on two core markets: oil and

gas projects (particularly FPSO installation)

and the renewables sector – the transport

and installation of wind turbine founda-

tions and transition pieces.

Offshore contracts scheduled for this year

include the mooring and installation of the

FPSO OSX-3 in Brazilian waters. This project is

to be undertaken in two phases. The first phase

will involve the installation of the FPSO’s moor-

ing system (12 piles/chains). The water depth

on scene is 100m.

This will be followed during the third quarter

by the second phase hook-up. A fleet of four

specially modified anchor handlers is to be

mobilised for this task. The contract is to be

undertaken on behalf of MODEC and OGX.

enQuest assignmentA similar operation is to be undertaken in UK

waters during the third quarter of this year. The

work will be carried out for Jumbo, main con-

tractor for the installation of the FPSO EnQuest

Producer. This unit is currently undergoing

refurbishment at a Hamburg yard.

The FPSO is required for EnQuest’s redevel-

opment of the Alma and Galia fields (Blocks

30/24, 30/25 and 30/29), 310 km south east

of Aberdeen, in the North Sea’s UK sector.

EnQuest Producer is due to bring these fields

on stream later this year.

Jumbo is due to install the mooring spread at

mid-year. It awarded the tow-out/hook-up con-

tract to Boskalis Offshore. The latter’s scope of

work includes FPSO tow preparation, the tow

from Hamburg to location, field approach and

station-keeping, connection of mooring legs

and the final tensioning. The mooring arrange-

ment consists of nine anchor piles and chains/

wires. The water depth on scene is 95m.

Decommissioning projectThe Marine Contracting activities in 2012

included the removal of two installations in

the Dutch sector of the North Sea, on behalf of

Wintershall Noordzee B.V. The removal of the

Q8-A and Q8-B platforms was tackled by the

floating sheerlegs Taklift 7 and Taklift 4.

Taklift 7 performed the major part of the

works, removing the topsides and jacket of

the Q8-A tripod structure in one lift. These

structures were transported in the hooks to

IJmuiden, lifted onto a barge and transported

to a scrap facility at Flushing. The larger Taklift

4 was required for the single lift of the top-

sides of Q8-B, also transported to Flushing via

IJmuiden. Wintershall is a long-established

client. Marine Contracting has carried out two

previous decommissionings for this company.

West of Duddon SandsDuring the second half of 2012, preparatory

engineering works were undertaken for the

West of Duddon Sands project – the largest

wind park project to date for both Boskalis

and SMIT. Boskalis Offshore has a contract

from Dong Energy/Scottish Power Renewables

for the transportation and installation of 108

monopiles and transition pieces for this large

development, south of Walney, in the East Irish

Sea. The total installed capacity will be 389

MW - enough power to supply over 300,000

households. The existing Barrow, Ormonde

and Walney windparks are nearby.

West of Duddon Sands is a major undertak-

ing, involving total monopole/transition piece

weights approaching 80,000 tonnes. The con-

tract also requires the placing of some 260,000

tonnes of scour protection, including an

armour layer.

Boskalis Offshore is responsible for full pro-

ject management. It has joined with Volker

Construction International, to form the

Offshore Windforce project partnership for

West of Duddon Sands.

The monopiles and transition pieces are being

fabricated at Bladt’s yard at Aalborg, Denmark.

They will be transported to the windpark pro-

ject base at Belfast Harbour, where prepara-

tions are well advanced for the reception of

elements from Aalborg. The project spread

includes the Boskalis fallpipe vessel Sandpiper,

which will prepare the seabed at location.

The fleet also includes three barges and tugs

and various support vessels. The transports to

Belfast are to commence during the first quar-

ter. The Boskalis Offshore - Marine Contracting

scope of work includes rehandling at Belfast,

where the monopiles and transition pieces will

be loaded onto the self-propelled jack-up ves-

sels Pacific Ocean (Swire Blue Ocean) and Sea

Installer (A2Sea, a joint venture between Dong

and Siemens, for turbine installation).

The aim is to have 40 sets of monopiles and

transition pieces at Belfast, ready for installa-

tion on scene, by mid-April, before the actual

installation with the jack-up vessels starts. The

bulk of the work offshore will be completed

during the Summer months. All installation

work is due for completion by end-September.

The scour and armour protection phase is likely

to take place next year, following cable lay.

WINDPARkS AND FPSOs FeATuRe IN MARINe cONTRAcTING WORklOAD IRM activities

North Sea activities in 2012 included major IRM

programmes, such as the latest campaign for

Maersk. Protea and Constructor participated in

the latter programme, which involved around

40 installations, with air diving, saturation

diving and ROV inspections. Other IRM activi-

ties included the annual air diving programme

in the UK sector for Conoco-Phillips. A second

assignment for this client was undertaken by

Protea, involving intervention and construc-

tion works in the Fall of 2012. The IRM works

for the Constructor were concluded last year

in the North Sea by a saturation and air diving

campaign for Dong Energy in the Danish

Sector.

Another notable assignment during the

European region in 2012 was the comprehen-

sive support rendered to Bluewater in the UK

sector’s Pearce Field. This involved replacing

mooring wires (by ROV and saturation diving)

for the FPSO Hæwene Brim.

During September the Protea was used to

finalise the extensive construction campaign

of Wintershall Noordzee B.V. This involved the

tie-in of spool pieces at the K5 platform.

Looking ahead, projects this year will include

the installation of the FPSO Enquest Producer,

now undergoing conversion at Hamburg.

Boskalis Offshore will be working on behalf

of Aberdeen-based operator Enquest. The

main contractor for the installation, Jumbo, is

responsible for installing the mooring piles.

Boskalis Offshore has the contract for towout

to location in the Central North Sea, followed

by the hook-up.

Subsea Services in AfricaSaturation DSV Constructor mobilised to West

Africa in December, to join Smit Orca and carry

out a work programme, in the first quarter in

Equatorial Guinea. This project involves export

riser replacement activities, to replace the

twin 20 inch risers between the FPSO, PLEM

and CALM Buoy. The work scope also includes

ancillary works for TLP and fixed installations

in the field. Aim is to fix Constructor for other

projects during her visit to the region.

December saw the commencement of the

second phase of a project for Total in Gabon

and Congo. Boskalis Offshore - Subsea Services

undertook the flexibles replacement pro-

gramme in Gabon last year. The final phase of

the work is the CoGa Flexibles Replacement

Project, requiring around four months’ work in

Congolese waters. The scope includes install-

ing riser I-tubes and riser protectors in water

depths of up to 100 m. This is a saturation and

air diving task, on behalf of Technip. The team

will operate from the client’s DSV, Alliance.

During the second half of 2012, Subsea

Services in Africa completed an air-diving work

programme for Technip in Equatorial Guinea,

with Noble Energy as ultimate client. This pro-

ject concluded with the hook-up of flowlines

for the FPSO Aseng, in the Alen Field. It was

completed during October.

Early December saw Subsea Services complete

the Anguille-Torpille Pipelay assignment for

Seatrucks Group (with Total Gabon as the ulti-

mate client). This was an air-diving programme

involving Seatrucks’ pipelay barge Jascon 34.

The range of works included riser and spool

piece installation.

Asia Pacific activitiesBoskalis Offshore - Subsea Services has joined

Australian project development and contract-

ing major Leighton Offshore to undertake the

Bukom SPM pipeline replacement project for

Shell Eastern Petroleum (Pte) Ltd., Singapore.

The project is located near Bukom Island,

Singapore, and the principal task is to replace

part of a 48 in. subsea pipeline, as required

under Shell’s planned maintenance programme.

Subsea Services in Australia will be involved

in completing an air-diving, saturation diving

and ROV work programme which includes:

the removal of a CALM Buoy and a PLEM;

the removal of 3 km of existing 48 inch pipe-

line; and the re-establishment of the CALM

Buoy and PLEM. Work offshore commences in

February.

Subsea’s work programme in the Asia Pacific

region in the second half of 2012 included

a saturation diving project for Punj Lloyd in

Indonesia. The modular SAT3 6-man diving

system was mobilised onto the DLB Kuber

barge, for the installation of two sets of spools

and protection structures in 45m water depth.

Early in December, a saturation diving contract

was awarded to Boskalis Offshore – Subsea

Services for the employment of the SAT4

12-man diving system on board the DP2 CSV

Southern Ocean. The contract is with Fugro

TSMarine; the spread was used to install sev-

eral spools for PT Timas, for end client Conoco

Philips in Indonesia. Water depth on scene was

90 m.

Subsea workload in the Middle eastSubsea Services in the Middle East enjoyed a

healthy workload during the final half of 2012,

with a series of five major long term projects

ongoing. Working on behalf of one of the

long term clients (Dubai Petroleum), Subsea

Services completed the first phase of a major

inspection campaign, involving four offshore

installations.

In the final quarter of 2012, an emergency

intervention team mobilised to deal with

a ruptured 30 inch oil pipeline. In addition,

Subsea Services provided a wide range of sup-

port, deploying the Seaeye Surveyor ROV, for

pipelay, SBM installation and piling support

activities, on behalf of Horizon Survey and

head client Valentine Maritime.

In addition, they provided a specialised subsea

team of divers (required to be certified as

Stopaq subsea applicators and inspectors)

to carry out repairs to over 30 field joints, for

marine contractor McDermott in the Kafji oil-

fields, Saudi Arabia.

SuBSeA SeRVIceS AcTIVe AROuND The GlOBeThe busy season in the European region

for Boskalis Offshore - Subsea Services

extended into the final weeks of 2012, with

DSVs Protea and Constructor still working in

the UK and Danish sectors of the North Sea

as December arrived.

Last year was characterised by very high levels

of utilisation. In particular, DSV Constructor

tackled a significant volume of satura-

tion diving work in the North Sea. The cli-

ents included Bluewater (UK sector), DONG

and Maersk (Danish sector). Constructor is

equipped with a single bell saturation system

and is ideal for IRM and short duration, light

construction tasks. Constructor offers cost

advantages over the larger, twin-bell satura-

tion vessels, especially in tidal waters.

Project outlookThe prospects for Subsea Services in the North

Sea region during 2013 look very promising.

There is every expectation that the demand

for saturation diving activities in the region

will continue to be strong this year. Subsea

Services takes an increasingly world view, with

the DSVs positioning to West Africa and else-

where during the North Sea Winter season,

then returning to Europe in March, for the

Summer. Constructor recently followed this

cycle, repositioning from the Danish North Sea

to Equatorial Guinea, to carry out a saturation

diving programme for an independent oil com-

pany. This is a joint project involving Subsea

teams from Europe and South Africa.

In contrast, Protea is staying in Europe this

Winter, assuming the role of Work Class ROV

Intervention Vessel – held at readiness for

ad-hoc and urgent intervention/emergency

tasks.

Smit Komodo relocated from Asia to Europe

and had a good Summer working in German

waters and in the Baltic area, engaged in

ordnance clearance at areas designated for

wind park projects. The vessel was deployed

in cooperation with Boskalis Hirdes and the

programme featured the use of the newly-

acquired Schilling HD WROV systems. This

vessel also undertook several pipeline inspec-

tions with the Schilling HD WROV and pipeline

survey in the Dutch Sector for GdF and Oranje

Nassau Energie.

At the close of the year Smit Komodo under-

went an upgrade – including the installation

of a crane – prior to commencing a five-year

project for Dubai Petroleum as a multipurpose

support vessel. The roles include DSV, towing

and anchorhandling.

Taklift 7 removing the topsides and jacket of the Q8-A tripod

structure in one lift.

A subsea team replaced the mooring wires (by ROV and

saturation diving) for the FPSO Hæwene Brim.

DSV Smit Komodo was deployed for ordnance clearance

activities at areas designated for wind park projects in

cooperation with Boskalis Hirdes.

Subsea Services successfully completed the riser and spool

piece installation for the Anguille-Torpille project in Gabon.

DSV Protea alongside the K5 platform in the North Sea.

Taklift 4 was required for the single lift of the topsides of Q8-B.

11

tug magazine

SMIT Amandla Marine’s expansion into the

important market of Mozambique contin-

ues to progress. A significant milestone was

reached during the second half of 2012,

with the award of an important contract

from mining house Vale. This contract is for

the provision of marine support at the busy

coal transhipment facility off the port of

Beira.

Two vessels - the 2,000 bhp Save River and

3,000 bhp Sofala - were acquired for this con-

tract. They began work at Beira in August. The

coal transhipment operation utilises a large

offshore mooring buoy. The first coal carrier

was moored at this buoy on September 11.

The significance of this contract turns on Vale’s

ambitions for future growth in coal and phos-

phate exports from Mozambique. Coal exports

from Tete province are set to increase. There

are also plans to open a coal export terminal at

Nacala, north of Beira, which is a natural deep-

water port. A terminal at Nacala would allow

direct access for vessels in the 300,000-400,000

DWT size classes.

Mining companies are also examining the

potential for mineral exports from Quelimane,

and Nacala. There is considerable scope for the

expansion of phosphates and iron ore exports

from Mozambique - a trade which may eventu-

ally outstrip coal in terms of volume.

Aim for growth in towage servicesSMIT Amandla Marine is prepared to play a full

part in the harbour towage and marine ser-

vices opportunities in the Mozambican Ports.

SMIT Amandla Marine already has a pioneering

harbour towage and marine services contract

at Beira, involving one tug with possibilitiesfor

the provision of additional vessels, and other

marine and maintenance services.

Future prospects in Mozambique also include

the development of new offshore oil and gas

export facilities, including an LNG terminal.

Once again, this would open up important

prospects for offshore marine support services.

With the potential for business expansion in

mind, SMIT Amandla Marine recently added

the DP2 AHTS vessel Peridot to the fleet. This

anchorhandler went on charter to PetroSA in

late December. This is a two-year drilling sup-

port contract. Peridot is supporting a drilling

campaign in the FO Field in South African

waters, around 120 NM south east of Cape

Town. In addition, PetroSA has also renewed

the charters for Smit Lombok and Smit-

Lloyd 33, working out of Mossel Bay.

Last year also saw the South African gov-

ernment award a five-year contract to SMIT

Amandla Marine for the management of the

newbuild polar supply vessel S.A. Agulhas II.

In addition, SMIT Amandla Marine is to bring

the environmental research vessel Algoa back

into service, on behalf of the Department for

Environmental Affairs. This vessel will also be

managed under a five-year contract.

SMIT Amandla Marine was also selected as ship

manager for the training ship S.A. Agulhas.

This two-year management contract, from

SAMSA (the South African Maritime Safety

Administration), brings SMIT Amandla Marine

close to the heart of a training programme of

national importance. This programme is cre-

ating a significant number of cadet berths.

SMIT is also partnering SAMSA in two coastal

training initiatives. During 2012, with funding

from SMIT Amandla Marine, 140 South Africans

qualified to participate in the fishing industry.

She-Q prioritiesThe year 2012 saw major efforts to improve

safety performance and these measures paid

off. There were no “Lost Time Accidents” in

2012.

The SHE-Q focus in 2013 will be on safety

leadership. Efforts here will concentrate on

safety mentoring for senior seagoing staff. An

external mentor will spend a week on each

vessel. Recommendations will be followed up

and implemented in a programme of ship-

board mentoring spearheaded by the SHE-Q

Manager and Fleet Manager.

SMIT AMANDlA MARINe eXPANDS BuSINeSS IN MOZAMBIQue

The newbuild polar supply vessel S.A. Agulhas II.

SMIT Amandla Marine recently added

the DP2 AHTS vessel Peridot to the fleet.