ZADCO’s Bravo is the first oil loading terminal to be classed in the Middle East. DNV has now handed over the Full Term Classification Certificate to ZADCO.
Bravo is a single point mooring oil loading terminal, which will be offloading crude oil from the Zirku field, some 140 km north west of Abu Dhabi. The 12.5m diameter by 4.8m depth buoy with Catenary Anchor Leg Mooring (CALM) system can handle up to ultra large shuttle tankers. The oil terminal is designed for 25 years continuous in-water service and 5 meter overtopping hydrostatic load above the hull top deck.
Offshore classification ensuring reliability
As the Classification Society, DNV has ensured that the class requirements are complied with for all the significant elements in this project; Subsea hose, Buoy, Floating hoses, Mooring System, and Mooring hawser system. DNV has performed the class work covering the design, fabrication, and offshore installation.
“We are proud of the trust ZADCO has in DNV by choosing us as the technical service provider in addition to the Class Society role for their oil terminals in United Arab Emirates,” says Sirajudeen Thettail, DNV’s project manager and head of Section of Qualification & Verification in Abu Dhabi.
He continues: “In addition to the ZADCO BRAVO, the ZADCO ALPHA is currently under classification process. The fabrication of the new buoy, which is replacing the existing one, is completed and will be installed by May 2009, just few kilometers away from ZADCO BRAVO.”
Complying with the highest standard
“ZADCO chose to Class the Loading Terminal in order to ensure that the SPM Buoys are designed, fabricated and installed in accordance to a highly recognized international standard. This will avoid future debates during operation and tankers loading. Class certification will also control the periodical inspection of the terminal and hence enhance the integrity and maintenance of the buoy,” explains Seddiq Khouri, ZADCO’s Engineering and Projects Department Team Leader.
He continues: “ZADCO chose DNV, being one of the recognized and approved Certifying Authorities with proven marine experiences. DNV early involvement in the annual inspection of our old loading terminals and the Pre-contract Services provided in preparation of the Business Case for replacement of the buoy has supported the decision,”
“The key attribute of success of this project is the close working cooperation between Energy’s Q&V section and Maritime’s Offshore Class. This working arrangement also suits the needs of ZADCO which had the technical supports from both sections” says Jeffrey Lim, DNV’s area manager in the Middle East.
About ZADCO
ZADCO, the leading operating company in the oil industry in the U.A.E, was founded in November 1977 to develop and operate the Upper Zakum field. Currently, ZADCO has three major shareholders, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) with 60% share, ExxonMobil with 28% share, and Japan Oil Development Company limited (JODCO) with 12% share.