Flexibility, creativity and internal cooperation. These are the key words for the electrotechnical and mechanical engineering installation on the FPSO Aoka Mizu, which means ‘blue water’ in Japanese. Several Imtech companies worked together to get this complex project done. The Aoka Mizu, an impressive vessel of 246 meters, will become operational at the Ettrick oilfield in the Northsea.

‘This project is an unique example of the total solutions Imtech provides’, says technical project manager Hanco Tigchelaar. ‘Imtech Marine & Offshore’s Hans Niessink landed the order, together with Imtech Vonk. Also involved in this cooperation were Radio Holland Netherlands and Imtech Building Services. This joint effort delivered a good combination of knowledge in the area of oil and gas technology. We provided the full Eengineering, power distribution, electrical propulsion, cabling for control systems, telecom, TVRO entertainment and HVAC.

By joining forces we were able to be flexible at all times. We performed under challenging circumstances, and are proud that our work was to Bluewater’s satisfaction. Our engineers have shown technical ingenuity, perseverance and the patience of a saint during their stay on board in Singapore.’

One technology partner

‘Besides Imtech Vonk, Imtech Building Services was involved in the HVAC automation for the accommodations’, says Sales Manager Hans Koolwijk, who works at the HVAC department of Imtech Marine & Offshore. Radio Holland, partner in the renowned Imtech Marine Group, was involved in the joint effort on board as well. ‘Radio Holland took care of an extensive package of satellite and UHF/MF/HF communications equipment and TVRO entertainment on board.

The project shows the advantages to the customer of doing business with Imtech’, says Koolwijk. ‘Buying a wide range of technical solutions in one go, while dealing with one financially stable partner.’ ‘Imtech was involved in this project since 2005’, Tigchelaar adds. ‘We have been involved since the design. Because Bluewater and Imtech are both innovation driven, a unique concept was pitched to Nexen Petroleum UK. With positive results!’

Innovative turret mooring system

Aoka Mizu’s keel was layed in Japan. The ship was then towed to Sembawang Shipyard in Singapore in 2006. ‘The total refit of Aoka Mizu took three years and required eight million manhours’, says Tigchelaar. ‘Eventually the ship’s fitting was completed at the Keppel Verolme dock in Rotterdam, to comply with the strict ATEX-norms. These are European regulations in the field of equipment used in explosive environments or gas-laden atmospheres.

The Aoka Mizu will be leaving for the English section of the Continental shelf, where it will be connected to pipelines in the sea bed by an innovative turret mooring system. It will pump crude oil on board, which will be processed immediately. Extraordinary is the fact that the Aoka Mizu can turn 360 degrees around the turret. Furthermore it is able to quickly disengage, depart and reengage to the well. A critical successfactor in areas with stormy weather.’

All electric ship

Tigchelaar ends his story by telling that Aoka Mizu joins the trend that more and more vessels are equipped with electrical propulsion. ‘We call it an ‘all electric ship’. The advantages are immense. One energy source can power all functions of the ship. It also makes the lay-out and design of the ship easier, since there is no longer a direct connection between the diesel engine and the propeller. Electrically propelled ships are more quiet, use less fuel and have a better combustion. It is no exaggeration to say that Aoka Mizu is currently one of the most advanced ships of its kind in the world.’