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'Qualification is key to market confidence' – Sigma Offshore

A rigorous qualification process for new technological solutions isn't just a necessity in a market where customer confidence is key - it's an invaluable part of the overall development strategy.

That's one of the key messages to be delivered to a technical session at SPE Offshore Europe 2011 by senior figures at Aberdeen-based Sigma Offshore.

Sigma has introduced an innovative external turret and mooring system to offshore operations - following an exhaustive development, qualification and classification process.

The Smart Mooring System (SMS) is an external turret designed to provide an FSO/FPSO mooring and fluid transfer solution that minimises hull invasion, provides a cost-effective on-site installation option and allows unlimited weathervaning of the vessel.

The system has been independently endorsed by leading classification society Det Norske Veritas (DNV) after a comprehensive assessment process. DNV has awarded Sigma Statements of Feasibility and of Endorsement for a system that is attracting global interest from operators, contractors, independent producers and investors.

"Qualification of any kind of technology in our industry represents a major challenge because it's essential to demonstrate the applicability and operational reliability of a new product before it's put into operational use," says Sigma Chief Technology Officer David Galbraith, one of the speakers at the technical session.

"It not only instils confidence in the operator but also helps the contractor to refine and hone the product, both to satisfy rigorous safety standards and to meet the technological challenges of the industry.

"The procedures we used represented a robust and cost-effective method for qualification of the Sigma SMS. It was a big commitment on our part in terms of resources and personnel hours, but it was crucial as we sought to bring a high-quality system to the market - one that takes this area of offshore support operations into a new era."

Representatives of both Sigma and DNV will address the technical session - Qualifying an External Turret and Mooring System for the Offshore Industry - on Thursday, September 8 at 10am in Gordon B at Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre.