Helix ESG’s Seawell, a 25-Year Old Offshore Workhorse, and Still Going Strong

Seawell, image courtesy Helix ESG, click for larger

Helix Energy Solutions Group Inc’s well intervention vessel Seawell pioneered the well intervention industry when she first entered North Sea service as a diving support vessel, and has since built a track record that includes saturation diving and riser-based and riserless well intervention work.  Since 1987, she has entered more than 650 wells, decommissioned more than 150 live and suspended wells and 15 subsea fields.

The future for Seawell, operated by Helix ESG’s Well Ops subsidiary, includes a healthy backlog of work and plans to enhance her capabilities and performance to meet new subsea challenges.

“Seawell has played a key role in North Sea oil and gas production for a number of years, by helping operators unlock the full value of their offshore wells,” said Steve Nairn, Helix Well Ops’ Regional VP of Europe and Africa.  “With a busy year ahead and plans in the works to upgrade her seagoing capabilities, we’re looking forward to continuing Seawell’s contributions to the offshore industry.”

Demand for proven well intervention capabilities ensures a steady backlog of work for Seawell and her crew throughout the North Sea.  Her order book currently includes decommissioning, well service and light well intervention tasks scheduled through the end of 2013.

Want to know more about well intervention? Click HERE

The Seawell will enter drydock in 2014 for refitting, to include new engines and dynamic positioning (DP) thrusters. At the same time, the control system will be upgraded to DP class 3, further improving the reliability of this dependable vessel.  This level of performance ensures crew safety and the safety of subsea wells being serviced in challenging weather conditions.

Seawell’s lifeboats are also being upgraded to comply with new North Sea performance standards.  The vessel’s hyperbaric lifeboat was successfully tested during a previous visit to Aberdeen Harbour.  Crew accommodations are also on the list for upgrading during drydock, to enhance the work and living environment for Seawell’s 120 crew members.

In addition to the Seawell’s intervention derrick reinforcements, other pieces of new intervention equipment will be installed throughout the vessel as she continues to build one of the world’s most extensive track records for well intervention operations.

“By taking advantage of this coming opportunity to upgrade key vessel systems and make the Seawell a more comfortable place to work, Helix ESG is committing to provide industry-leading well intervention services to the North Sea with the Seawell for the long haul,” Nairn said.