Marine

Project: Drillships New Builds

• Location: Houston (USA)

• Builder: DSME Korea

• End user: Transocean

• Status: Operational

• Role: Power System Development and Engineering

Evolution and Adoption of Fault-Tolerant Power Systems for Transocean

Contributed to collaborative development with Transocean, Siemens, and AKA Energy Systems for advanced fault-tolerant power systems. Started with upgrades to Sedco 702/706 semisubmersibles, adding reliability features like Kongsberg retrofits for DP operations in harsh environments. Became de facto standard for Discoverer-class drillships (e.g., Discoverer Americas, Inspiration), using Siemens 11kV switchboards, MAN engines, and AKA-Transocean AGP for closed-ring bus with tie-breakers closed, ensuring DP3 compliance via differential protection and fault isolation. Adopted fleet-wide, including hybrids like Deepwater Conqueror/Poseidon, boosting reliability, cutting emissions, and optimizing engines. Influenced suppliers like ABB for integrated systems in acquired rigs, aligning with high-reliability standards.

Key enhancements

• Power supply enhancement: Siemens MV switchboards, hybrid storage for DC drives, controls for fewer engines, lower fuel/emissions.

• Cooling enhancement: Integrated upgrades for engines/drives/electrics in harsh conditions.

• Protection upgrade for closed loop: AKA AGP enables ring bus, fault isolation with differential/ground protection, real-time monitoring for DNV compliance.

Project: Dynamically Positioned Pipe Lay Vessel

• Location: Mobile, AL, USA

• Builder: Bender / Signal International

• End user: CalDive / Helix Energy

• Status: Operational

• Role: Builder's Engineering Manager and Technical Representative

Conversion Overview

Comprised conversion of a manned fuel oil barge "Sea Sorceress" (originally Canadian-flagged, ABS-classed) to an ABS +A1, ACCU, +DPS-2 Dynamically Positioned Class 2 vessel, significantly enhancing power and station-keeping for offshore support—directly transferable to marine renewable installation vessels.

Key Modifications:

• Thrusters & Rooms: Eight (8) 850 kW retractable azimuthing thrusters in new dedicated thruster rooms.

• Power Generation: Four (4) 2480 kW diesel generators in two converted engine rooms (from former fuel tanks), including main switchboard and control room.

• Electrical Infrastructure: Two new switchgear rooms (3.3kV MV and 480V LV switchgear); two Drive Rooms for transformers/VFDs.

• DP System: Kongsberg DP2 control integration with consoles in modified aft bridge.

• Heavy-Lift & Deck Equipment: Addition of a 400mT offshore crane, pipe spool storage/reeling systems, and J-lay deck equipment for pipe/cable deployment.

These upgrades highlight proven capabilities in structural modifications, electrical systems, and DP integration, bridging legacy experience to sustainable marine renewable applications.

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