Rapid response testing keeps barge working
Unique Seaflex was recently contacted by Saipem in Portugal, which was looking to urgently conduct a 550 tonne load test on a derrick barge located at Point Noire in the Congo.
With 100 tonnes of solid weights in hand, Saipem required an additional 450 tonnes to complete the test.
Operating out of purpose built premises in Cowes, UK, Unique Seaflex manufactures air-filled bags for salvage and installation operations and water-filled bags for testing or ballasting purposes. Acquired by Unique Maritime Group in 2011, Unique Seaflex continues to extend its global reach and now has a presence and a stock position on every continent bar Antarctica.
The immediacy of the requirement demanded a swift response from the supply chain, especially given the total absence of any suitable equipment within the local market. Unique Seaflex was the only company able to provide a quantity of thirteen 35 tonne WaterLoad test bags plus accessories (manifolds, hoses etc) on a rental basis within the required timescales, so avoiding Saipem incurring unnecessary and expensive barge downtime as they waited for the test to take place.
The equipment package was flown from the UK to the Congo, where it was met by an experienced Unique Seaflex technician with a BOSIET ticket who was able to assist Saipem’s crew with the rigging and the safe and efficient use of the WaterLoad Bags in accordance with LEEA Guidance 051.
