With Megadoor vertical lifting fabric doors from ASAA ABLOY Entrance Systems, ConocoPhillips is prepared for the harsh North Sea

ConocoPhillips is a multinational energy corporation focused entirely on the exploration and production of oil and natural gas. A substantial portion of its business is done in the oil fields of the North Sea, where the weather is rough and risks are high. To support its North Sea business, ConocoPhillips commissioned an accommodation platform from Singapore shipyard SMOE. Essentially a floating hotel set apart from the potential hazards of the main drilling platform, the accommodation platform was to be one of the first – and certainly the largest – in the North Sea. Two dedicated hangars for rescue and transport helicopters would be located upon it.

ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems provided

ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems devoted several experts and thousands of hours to the design phase, working with ConocoPhillips to meet every detail of the offshore code. Two Megadoor vertical lifting fabric doors in three sections each, with dimensions of 17.1 x 5.7 m and 16.7 x 5.7 m respectively, were prepared and delivered to the SMOE shipyard. Incorporated into the deliveries were special components in stainless steel with an anti-corrosive finish, as well as explosion-proof motors.
Following the initial assembly in Singapore, the platform was towed to the North Sea for completion. To finish the door installations, ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems sent several technicians to undergo full offshore training. These technicians were then flown to the offshore site, where they performed installation and commissioning in much different – and much harsher – conditions than originally planned.

Proof of performance

Deliveries like this one to ConocoPhillips have given ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems and the Megadoor product a leading reputation in the offshore sector. In fact, Megadoor vertical lifting fabric doors may be the only doors of their size that can withstand the extreme wind and salinity levels of an offshore environment.

Challenges

Customer Challenges:

For the accommodation platform's hangar doors, ConocoPhillips was set on Megadoor vertical lifting fabric doors from ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems. In the North Sea, however, these doors would have to stand up to exceptionally harsh conditions. Besides winds that frequently exceed 2 kPa, the doors would face a highly corrosive saltwater environment.
In addition, the hangar doors would have to live up to rigorous safety codes, such as the NORSOK standards of the Norwegian petroleum industry. To mitigate fire hazards, explosion risks and other concerns, the Megadoor solutions would have to be certified in detail. Finally, the doors' installation at the SMOE shipyard would occur eight stories off the ground, with engineers climbing hundreds of steps in oppressive heat and Singapore's 90% humidity.

Benefits

Benefits with the solutions:

Despite the stringent codes and the shipyard's unexpected change of plans, ConocoPhillips received everything it wanted from ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems. Today the company's accommodation platform has 100% waterproof hangars for its rescue and transport helicopters, with hangar doors that will provide a long lifetime of service in the worst of conditions.