Offshore world first

Engineering and maintenance contractor Bilfinger UK, in collaboration with Layher UK, has designed the world’s first underdeck scaffolding system using FlexBeam to provide safe access to the underside of an oil rig.

Bilfinger was tasked to deliver a fit-for-purpose solution which would provide safe access to the underside of the platform to remove and replace the underdeck oily drains pipework. Although Bilfinger used the FlexBeam to replace the underdeck oily drains pipework on this occasion, it could also easily be used for coating inspection and painting projects in the future.

Bilfinger partnered with Layher Scotland’s technical team to design the system scaffold configuration using Layher’s cutting edge aluminium scaffolding FlexBeam, reducing construction time by 40% when compared with traditional conventional tube and fitting scaffolding.

“As we continue to support operations within a maturing basin, innovation has never been more important,” says David Cruickshank, Project Manager at Bilfinger UK. “Layher FlexBeam is a step change in the way we offer access solutions to our clients; this collaborative project has gone some way to showing what can be achieved when you have a fit-for-purpose solution, a forward-thinking client and an engaged workforce.

“Having watched this project progress from the early engagement sessions with Layher, all the way through to our Scaffold Foreman carrying out the first scaffold inspection, I am extremely proud of what our team have achieved. This project was delivered on time, within budget and most importantly with zero HSE concerns; an outstanding accomplishment from everyone involved.”

Read more in the latest issue of PCE-International