Scope of Work
In 2014 the Gorgon Project required additional accommodation for up to 1400 construction personnel. Without any onshore accommodation available on Barrow Island and FIFO resources strained, a suitable vessel was the only option. Subsequently MMA was contracted by Kellogg Joint Venture Group (KJVG) to source and manage an accommodation support vessel for the Gorgon Project in Western Australia.
KJVG were appointed by Chevron Australia to Engineer, Procure and Construction Manage (EPCM) the LNG downstream and logistics portion of the multi-billion dollar Chevron-operated Gorgon LNG Project.
After an extensive international search for a suitable accommodation vessel, the MS Silja Europa (‘Europa’) was identified. The Europa, owned by Tallink, is one of the largest cruise ferries in the world. Launched in 1993 the 202m vessel was operating as a leisure cruiser between Finland and Estonia.
MMA established a dedicated Project Team to prepare the vessel for Australian operations and the unique quarantine requirements of Barrow Island. Barrow Island is a Class A nature reserve, which has had strict quarantine measures in place since the 1960s.
To meet Australian Standards and protect the natural fauna and biodiversity on the island, significant modification and conversion works were undertaken in Tallinn, Estonia. The vessel was dry docked in Turku, Finland, with over 600 people undertaking the works 24/7. MMA’s Engineering Team provided the oversight to all modification works to ensure Australian standards were achieved.
Once all modifications were complete including the installation of air-conditioning in every cabin, a MMA marine crew of 70 people made the delivery voyage from Europe to Dampier in Western Australia. MMA’s marine crew worked alongside the Owner’s crew during the delivery and throughout the Contract term.
Upon arrival in Australia the vessel underwent extensive surveys and inspections from Australian regulators, unions, KJVG and Chevron Australia. The contracting arrangement for the vessel was complex and unlike anything MMA had entered into before. The vessel was operating under an Estonian Flag, hence the vessel had to comply with ISM requirements at all times which in effect were the owner’s Vessel Management System.
From October 2014 to December 2015 the Europa was berthed alongside the project wharf on Barrow Island. During this time up to 1400 construction personnel were accommodated. The vessel was mobilised and steamed out to sea two occasions when the area experienced cyclonic activity.
MMA’s ability to prepare the vessel for Australia operations, manage the international delivery of vessel unlike any other vessel in its fleet and operate a reliable accommodate vessel for over 12 months is terrific example of MMA’s unique capabilities.
The contract also demonstrated MMA’s willingness to explore new possibilities with its clients and its ability to deliver truly complex marine solutions.