Longstanding contributors to PES, Scaldis Salvage & Marine Contractors NV (Scaldis) are known for taking a measured approach that all-but eliminates last-minute surprises. We spoke once again to Linda Vanhaelst, Business Development & Marketing, about the company’s recent acquisitions and how it is laying the foundations for greater growth.
PES: Welcome back to the magazine. Can you tell us about a recent project that you’ve been involved with?
Linda Vanhaelst: As well as being very busy with the installation of jackets and topsides since the start of the year, Scaldis is currently undertaking the final stage in the removal of the K10-B platform in the Dutch sector of the North Sea.
The work is the culmination of two years of planning and preparation works that will allow the entire structure to be removed and delivered to a recycling facility in the Netherlands. The heavy lift works are being performed by HLV Rambiz 3000, which is enabling substantial sections of the facility to be removed intact and thereby minimising the offshore dismantling time.
PES: How do you meet the challenges posed by the increasing dimensions and weights of substations and foundations?
LV: While it has to be recognised that any vessel, including Rambiz 3000, must have limitations, the key is to ensuring that you make full use of the capacity available. At first sight, tasks may appear to be outside of the capacity of the vessel but the application of innovative engineering has often provided a very efficient and economical solution to our client.
In recognition of these challenges Scaldis is also building its new heavy lift vessel, Rambiz 4000, which will have an increased lifting capacity of 4000 T. The Rambiz 4000 will possess the key qualities of the present Rambiz 3000 but with the incorporation of several beneficial developments.
PES: The company is known for ‘thinking outside the box’ when it comes to installation methodologies. Can you give us a recent example of your innovative thinking?
LV: We have recently installed the offshore platform L6-B in the Dutch sector of the North Sea that required innovative thinking and engineering.
The installation involved picking up the entire tripod structure from the quayside in Rotterdam and transporting it to the offshore location in the hooks of Rambiz 3000. The arrangement of the structure was such that it had to be supported from the base and the super-structure extended above the Rambiz cranes. The stability of the structure was maintained by means of a hydraulically operated clamp incorporated into the main spreader bar. Once at the offshore location, the structure was positioned and fixed by means of three suction piles a matter of hours. The planning of the operations took many times longer than the actual installation task.
The result was a very accurately placed structure, an installation achieved in the minimum of time and a very satisfied client.
PES: We spoke briefly last time about the relationship between the client, the fabricator and the marine warranty surveyor. Can you tell us a little more about this relationship and how you help facilitate a smooth process?
LV: The key to all complex arrangements is thorough preparation and the avoidance of surprises. We always aim
to initiate discussions with all parties involved as early as possible in order to achieve this. Many good ideas, including optimisations, come from this stage of the planning and the early involvement of the concerned parties ensures there is sufficient time to incorporate all beneficial ideas into the scheme.
PES: If you could pick one, what is the defining advantage of Scaldis over its competitors?
LV: One would be difficult as there are two parts to our organisation and both deserve a mention; our people and our equipment.
Firstly, our people are very experienced and are equally willing to consider new ideas and improvements. This combination has enabled Scaldis to find solutions where we know others have failed. We understand many of the difficulties faced by our clients and our open-minded and innovative approach has resulted in some great solutions.
Secondly, there is our equipment. Rambiz 3000, and soon its sister Rambiz 4000, are multi-purpose vessels that compliment complex offshore construction. The large deck space provides a platform for a range of construction activities supported by a deck crane that enables ancillary operation to be performed while the heavy lift cranes are engaged in the main task. This arrangement provides a valuable advantage over many other vessels of similar lifting capacity.
PES: We ought to talk about the newest addition to your fleet – Rambiz 4000. How is construction progressing, and what benefits will this craft add to your operation?
LV: Rambiz 4000 will be available in 2016 and it will incorporate all the well-proven features of Rambiz 3000 as well as some new developments that will extend the possibilities for the vessel.
With its increased capacity and enhanced features, we expect Rambiz 4000 to allow us to push out the boundaries of what can be achieved as well as enabling us to perform more work in a wider geographic area. Having two similar style vessels will provide greater flexibility and of course we look forward to the opportunity of using both vessels in a combined operation.
PES: Do you offer a round-the-clock service (in case of emergency, say)?
LV: Our operations are generally performed on a 24/7 basis, but our core business is planned work. Generally, far more time is expended on the planning phase than the execution itself.
While we would always be willing to respond to an emergency situation, we are unable to guarantee a response due to our on-going commitments to our project works.
PES: To what extent does the weather impact upon your service? Is it a consideration that your clients have to take into account?
LV: Weather is a very significant factor in all offshore operations and our clients are fully aware of the risks involved. Weather patterns around the year are reasonably predictable but are far less predictable during short duration operations. Typically, we accept the commercial risk of weather delays because they should average out over time.
PES: Have you begun actively pursuing opportunities in Central America and the Middle East? Is Europe still your prime area of focus?
LV: The European market is indeed still our prime area of focus. Until the delivery of the Rambiz 4000 this market will remain a large and valuable market for Scaldis. With respect to opportunities in Central America and Middle East, we have taken the first steps and we are currently looking into several opportunities.
PES: What other opportunities are currently available to the company?
LV: Offshore structures for renewables as well as oil and gas remain an important part of our business and we have gained an enviable track-record and reputation in this sector. Decommissioning and deconstruction of redundant offshore structures has also been a significant feature of our recent workload and it seems likely to be a growth sector.
PES: Finally, what are your thoughts about the coming 12 months? Is 2015 looking as positive for you as 2014?
LV: 2014 has shown to be an extremely busy year that started immediately in January with work in the Adriatic and will continue to at least middle of October. 2015 will be busy as well, with a suitable mix of both installation works as well as deconstruction works. A number of opportunities are still being considered that if confirmed will complete the order book for next year.
We already have a busy order book for 2016, so we look forward to the arrival of Rambiz 4000 so that we can take on even more and bigger challenges going forward.
