The contract involved the pre-installation of eight 24-inch conductors in approximately 200 feet of water depth, with around 200 feet of mudline penetration required. By completing the conductor installation ahead of the drilling campaign, the project team was able to remove a significant portion of the work that would traditionally have been performed after the drilling rig arrived on location.
The conductor installation system was delivered through a combination of the Thunder Cranes Beam Package, workbasket, and hammer services provided by Frank’s International. This integrated approach provided the offshore team with the lifting capability and equipment required to safely and efficiently perform the installation activities.
A rental crane package consisting of TC90 and TC20 cranes was used to support key lifting operations. The cranes were utilized for handling and lifting operations associated with the casing strings, tubulars, and other equipment required during the campaign.
Thunder Cranes also supplied a lifting arrangement that enabled the platform cap beams to be transferred to the platform in a manner similar to the operations normally carried out by a drilling rig. A work vessel was used to accommodate the offshore crew during the rigless operations, while lifting activities were supported by a dedicated team of Thunder Cranes personnel working shifts throughout the operation.
The campaign was structured to minimize downtime and maintain an efficient offshore workflow. Equipment mobilization was completed via a supply vessel, followed by approximately three days for the rental crane rig-up on the platform. Installation of the workbasket required approximately half a day, while conductor installation was completed at a rate of approximately 12 hours per conductor.
This planned sequence allowed the offshore team to maintain a controlled installation process while preparing the platform for the subsequent drilling activities.
The project demonstrated that a rigless approach can provide an efficient alternative to performing conductor installation from a drilling rig. By completing the conductor work before the rig arrived, the client was able to save approximately one day of rig time per conductor and eliminate the need for the drilling rig to perform operations that could be completed independently.
The conductor driving operation began in March 2016 and was completed without incident or downtime within four days, remaining on schedule. The project was estimated to deliver approximately US$1.5 million in savings through reduced drilling-rig downtime.
Beyond cost savings, the project demonstrated the value of combining specialized lifting equipment, experienced personnel, and coordinated offshore planning. The successful collaboration between Thunder Cranes and Frank’s International provided the client with a practical solution for completing critical conductor installation work safely and efficiently.
The Thunder Cranes package can also support slot recovery operations. When installed on the topside of an offshore platform, the crane package can provide the lifting capabilities required by contractors performing cutting and recovery services.
Unlike conventional derrick-based operations, crane equipment can provide greater flexibility for lifting, handling, and positioning equipment around the work area. The crane can also support pulling and running tubulars or handling equipment from wells once the necessary safety requirements have been established.
This project demonstrates how Thunder Cranes’ offshore lifting solutions can help operators and contractors improve efficiency, reduce drilling-rig dependency, and achieve measurable savings on demanding offshore operations.
