CHEVRON LL-652 INSTALLATION PROJECT

Chevron recently selected Crowley as the prime contractor for logistics, mobilization, and installation of a five-deck complex in Lake Maracaibo, Venezuela.

Deck lift weights and bridge clearance restrictions precluded the use of conventional heavy lift or derrick vessels for the project. New lift technology was employed to accomplish the installation of the three main complex decks, each of which exceeded 4,000 tons and the heaviest weighing nearly 6,000 tons. Crowley selected Versatruss America to provide the lifting system expertise to accomplish the installation.

Crowley wrote the operation plans, developed the ballast and mooring plans, and defined the lift sequences for the Versatruss systems use as an installation lift system for the first time.

Crowley provided transportation and logistics management services for all the fabricated components. All three decks were set in less than three weeks utilizing the new technology coupled with Crowleys project management expertise. Chevron and Crowley determined that it was most economical to fabricate the largest module directly on a barge. Because of the restricted clearance access to the installation site, Crowley was tasked with developing a load-spreading system to support 6,000 tons on six (6) points without increasing the height of the structure more than 36. This was accomplished by developing an internal load spreading structure that allowed Chevron to meet their fabrication constraints.

The project was demobilized in late 1999. Crowley completed all work in the United States and Venezuela with zero employee and direct subcontractor LTIs.