This article is written specifically to address deployment of the Water Column Monitoring Equipment to Australia.
The WCM Equipment can be airfreighted to Australia via Antonov 124 or Ilyushin 76 airlifters. The equipment will require pre-mobilization checks at the storage facility in Houston, Texas and then transported via road to George Bush Intercontinental/Houston Airport (IAH) where at this point the equipment will be handed over to the Incident Owner and loaded into aircraft. The premobilisation checks, transport to IAH and loading of aircraft can typically take up to 72 hours. Fight time including technical stops is typically 49:30 hrs to Port Headland Western Australia as an example.
After unloading of the equipment at the destination it will require transport by road to the associated port where the deployment vessel will berth and take on the equipment. Mobilization of the WCM Equipment on a suitable vessel will require up to 48hrs to set up and conduct checks on deck before departure to incident location.
Vessel requirements for Water Column Monitoring Activities
Offshore WCM activities will require two vessels to be deployed:
- Primary vessel to undertake the WCM
- Runner vessel to transfer of samples and supplies between the WCM and shore.Water Column Monitoring Vessel
Water Column Monitoring Vessel
- Type - Light Construction Vessel
- Length - Minimum 180 ft
- Deck space - Minimum 152m²
- Power = 480 VAC, 3 PH, 150 Amp service, 60Hz
- Dyanmic Positioning (DP)
- Deck Crane·
- High-bandwidth internet (minimum specification of 1024 x 1024)
- Ultra-short baseline (USBL)
- Differential global positioning system (dGPS)
- Personnel accommodation for up to 12 CSA personnel (for 12-hour operations) plus incident owner representatives
- Generators (2) Stand-alone generator and a backup are required (150 kW)
Runner Vessel
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Type - Fast Crew or Supply Vessel
-
Deck crane to facilitate transfer of samples and supplies
- Refrigerated storage or container to accomodate samples in transit
Vessel selection
OSRL through a license agreement with Maritech Services Ltd allows Subsea Well Intervention Services (SWIS) subscribers to access to an offshore emergency response software platform (Sea/response). Sea/response provides subscribers with a real-time overview of vessels of opportunity specific to the requirements of the mission. A specific mission for WCM has been included in the software to provide input into response planning, exercises and actual events.
The WCM Equipment available to SWIS subscribers will support elements of their respective Operational and Scientific Monitoring Plans regarding SSDI and water quality monitoring. The equipment is modularised for ease of transport and operation. Through the OSRL Global Subsea Response Network, strategic partner CSA can provide appropriate staffing to program and operate equipment, analyse data, collect samples, and conduct shipboard sample screening in order to provide real-time data to the IMT to make better informed and effective decisions.
To learn more about the WCM Equipment and other OSRL SWIS services please contact Mario Fazio via email mariofazio@oilspillresponse.com.