Background
Pinnacle Business Solutions and MatriX-EPS were instrumental in facilitating a significant expansion of the PAENAL fabrication yard in Angola. PAENAL Yard was created in 2008 to provide fabrication and integration facilities for topsides modules and FPSO (floating production, storage and offloading) vessels for the oil and gas industry. It was the first in Africa with the capacity to facilitate major floating production, storage and vessel offloading.
In 2010 PAENAL was awarded its first mega project, to provide module and associated FPSO construction and integration works for Total’s CLOV FPSO. We were commissioned not just to supply software, but also to apply our extensive industry experience and knowledge to introduce streamlined work processes to maximise yard productivity.
Right from the outset, the CLOV FPSO project presented significant challenges for the PAENAL project management team, particularly around traceability. The FPSO hull section and some of the topsides were built in South Korea, and PAENAL fabricated the water treatment module, protectors and anchor piles in Angola. DSME (Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering) in South Korea carried out the module design. DSME supplied all project materials and equipment to PAENAL, with a transportation time of two to three weeks.
It was essential to have detailed identification and tracking of all materials and components from South Korea and other sources. The ability to highlight any issues prior to shipment from South Korea and after receipt and inspection in Angola was also critical so that production efficiency could be maintained.
MatriX-EPS implementation
We implemented MatriX-EPS to provide a comprehensive material traceability quality control system. Advance information on deliveries ensured optimum fabrication and construction scheduling and avoided costly delays.
One of the key features of MatriX-EPS included the ability to optimise the use of all plate and pipe and therefore minimise waste. It was essential that on-site nesting and cutting strictly followed the predefined plan because large-diameter custom-length tubulars had been nested in advance. MatriX-EPS gave full control over this process by linking the specific lengths with the pieces to be cut and providing traceability for individual lengths from receipt to completion of cutting on an ongoing basis.
Record-breaking outcomes
When the partially constructed FPSO vessel arrived at PAENAL’s quayside for final construction, integration and commissioning, it not only represented the successful completion of an 18,520km voyage from South Korea, it also set a record by being the first FPSO to berth at an African quayside.
Testimonial
"Without a doubt, the guidance provided by Pinnacle Business Solutions was key to ensuring efficient work processes and ultimately project success for CLOV. MatriX-EPS also provided complete and detailed traceability that resulted in significant benefits to all project stakeholders including engineering, materials, fabrication and QA/QC’
MatriX-EPS was subsequently used to support fabrication of other major projects, the SBM / ENI N’Goma project that consisted of major modules and anchor piles and the CABGOC project for fabrication of 2 topside modules."
David Hutchinson, PAENAL’s QA/QC Director for the CLOV project
