Bluestream has the ability to deliver multidisciplinary services such as divers, ROVs, multi skilled rope access teams as well as ultramodern drones (photo: Bluestream)

Offshore HVDC platforms DolWin alpha, BorWin alpha and DolWin beta in the German section of the North Sea have been fully inspected by Den Helder-based Bluestream, provider of innovative inspection services for the offshore oil, gas and wind industry.

Bluestream’s ability to deliver multidisciplinary services was key in the awarding of these orders as divers, ROVs, multi skilled rope access teams as well as ultramodern drones were used for carrying out all three inspections. “One of the reasons why Bluestream was tasked with carrying out this extensive inspection work, was the technical efficiency with which we approached each project,” explains Commercial Manager Anton Janssens.

The first asset to be inspected was the DolWin alpha, the largest offshore conversion platform for wind farm energy in the German section of the North Sea. The platform was installed on a jacket consisting of six legs, and comprises five decks that rise 80 metres above the water surface. Project engineer Michael van Putten says, “All accessible areas in the platform were inspected by camera, and for the inspection of the outside and underside of the platform, we deployed a rope access team. As well as checking the overall condition of the platform, the central focus of the inspection was on the coating.”

The jacket on which the DolWin alpha is mounted also had to be inspected. The inspection not only covered the section of the jacket protruding above the water, but also the six legs below water level. As an alternative for an ROV scope, Bluestream deployed the Cathodic Protection (CP) Drop Cell method for this particular activity. Van Putten continues, “Members of our rope access team climbed down the platform, and lowered the drop cells along the legs to the inspection locations, so the anodes could be measured. A clump weight was used to keep the rope in a straight line.”

In close consultation with the client, Bluestream also developed a reporting model for assessing any damage identified. Every item of damage, however small, can be derived from the report data and prioritised according to degree of seriousness. In this way, the client is able to work towards an effective planning model. A special software package was developed in house for user-friendly and rapid information processing. In this way, the client is able to work towards an effective planning model. Commercial Manager Anton Janssens adds, “In principle Bluestream carries out a baseline inspection. As such we operate as the eyes and ears of our client. We observe and analyse the situation in accordance with a regulated ISO standard. We pass on our findings to the client, who at the end of the day retains overall final responsibility.”

After successful completion of this first inspection Bluestream was awarded an order to inspect all accessible areas on the HVDC platform BorWin alpha as well. The total height of the BorWin Alpha is 84 metres, of which 62 metres consists of the support jacket. Unlike the DolWin alpha project, this inspection was carried out following a painting programme, leading to a shorter inspection period. The CP Drop Cell method was again used for this project. The extra challenge on this occasion lay in the fact that the legs of this platform were at an angle, as compared with the legs of the DolWin alpha, which run straight up and down. Nonetheless, the Bluestream team found a smart solution to this problem.

In mid-2017, Bluestream received a further order to inspect the DolWin beta. This submersible floating platform is moored just 30 metres from the DolWin alpha. The concept behind this platform is different from that of the previous two platforms, which are mounted on separately installed jackets. The six legs of the DolWin beta are in fact an integral part of the platform itself. Bluestream was asked to carry out a general visual inspection using a drone operated by business partner Skeye, based in Alphen aan den Rijn. In just three days, pilots from Skeye inspected the outside sheeting, the legs and the underside of the deck of the DolWin beta platform using a drone. A small part of the inspection work still had to be carried out by one of Bluestream’s rope access teams. After all, there are always certain areas that require a close visual inspection. Drones are a complementary tool, and will never be able to completely replace rope access.

The awarding of a fourth order is evidence that Bluestream has stood out with the use of innovative inspection services over the past year. In September of this year, Bluestream will be returning to the BorWin alpha for an extensive inspection of all components of the platform, both above the water and subsea. This time the work will not be carried out by drone but by rope access, backed up by ROVs. None of this represents a problem to Bluestream, since the company can offer all these services in house.

Tags: Bluestream