Thruster Replacement

Offshore Thruster Replacement by Axess

Thrusters are a key component of a Dynamic Positioning operation of floating offshore assets. Due to their operation in challenging subsea conditions, frequent replacement is required to ensure reliable functioning of the thrusters.

With a typical thruster weight ranging from 20 to 50 tonnes, the replacement operation is a complex and potentially hazardous operation. Traditionally, floating assets are dry-docked to carry out the replacement of the thrusters. This is an exceptionally costly operation, taking into consideration all facets of the project, such as demobilisation from the offshore field, rent of the dry-dock facilities, and the loss of operating revenue.

By bringing together our expertise and experience in specialist engineering, Enterprise of Competence inspection and certification, safe lifting and material handling in difficult to access locations, Axess offers a turnkey service package for offshore thruster replacement on all types of floating assets, such as FPSO’s, FSO’s, FLNG’s and semi-submersibles vessels.

The replacements are carried out completely offshore, thus removing the costs of a dry-docking operation. Axess’ value-added service doesn’t stop there as there are multiple methods available to further reduce the cost and execution time.

Over the course of the last two decades, Axess has built an impressive track record of successfully executed offshore thruster replacement projects, making Axess the preferred supplier for many operating companies and vessel owners. We understand the complexity of such critical operation and will advise our clients on solutions that best suit each specific case.

Axess provides impartial replacement strategy advice, we do not own specific vessels or other assets that must be used in these projects. Benchmarking against best practices, our sole driver is to find the safest and most cost and time effective solution.

We are often able to execute the entire operation without the need for a Dive Support Vessel (DSV), Divers and/or an Inspection, Maintenance, Repair Vessel (IMR). The whole operation is managed and executed from the asset itself, which reduces the cost level tremendously. The platform launched and operated smart Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) solutions and purpose-built lifting equipment are key components in such optimised strategies.

Axess is your go-to partner for all thruster replacement projects. Our expertise and scope of supply range from the review and optimisation of existing handling procedures to turnkey EPCI thruster replacement projects, and everything in between.

Our Core Competencies

Unparalleled thruster replacement track record
Experience with all major OEM thruster manufacturers
Creation of a thruster replacement procedure, including lift planning and equipment listing
Revision of an existing thruster replacement procedure and optimisation of the methodology
Design of specialist equipment, lifting arrangements and/or winches which reduces or even removes the need for DSV, divers and/or an IMR vessel
Design, fabrication, procurement, testing and/or Enterprise of Competence certification of the lifting equipment
Interface management of involved suppliers and contractors
Complete project organisation onshore and offshore
Multi-discipline offshore operators selected according to project specifics, minimal impact on the bed space capacity offshore

Do you have questions? Enquire Now.