Shell Petroleum – MMDP1

A 22.2m dia helideck designed and built for the unmanned drilling platform MMDP1. The aluminium helideck is supported by an all-aluminium support frame which is 6m high and has a cantilever of 15m. The entire helideck structure is designed to be skidded back on rails to allow jackups to drill thru the conductor locations. The support frame was custom designed to (a) allow structural members to clear equipment on deck below and (b) become a standard support frame design which can be used on all similarly configured platforms. The total weight of the helideck and support frame is under 50MT and replaces a 145MT steel design. Designed for Sikorsky S-91 operations and completed in Jun 2008.

Shell MMDP1 – east view of installed alu helideck and alu support frame
West view- the helideck and support frame are designed to skid back on the drilling deck for access to conductors. An approx 100MT reduction in weight over a steel design makes the skidding operation easier and reduces all up weight.
Alu support frame under assembly.This lightweight structure is about 4 times faster to assemble compared with steel.
Working on one of the hatches for the helideck. The hatches are for lifting sling access.
Aluminium stairs and access platforms
Ready for offshore transportation to the platform and a 50MT lift. Such low weights mean that there are more offshore lift options.