Osbit Subsea Innovation Award triumph for Helix Well Ops Project

Osbit, the offshore engineering and technology company, has won a prestigious industry award for designing and manufacturing three bespoke Intervention Tension Frames (ITFs) for Helix Well Ops, a global leader in well intervention activities.

The Northumberland-based company was presented with the Subsea Innovation Award at the Annual Offshore Support Journal Conference, Awards and Exhibition, which took place on 8-9 February in London.

Voted for by the members of the offshore industry, the award recognises the achievements of owners of innovative subsea vessels, developers of subsea equipment, or contractors responsible for particularly innovative subsea projects.

The ITF systems, which stand at over 20m high and weigh around 100t were developed to suit a trio of state of the art new-build vessels. The systems secure a tensile connection between the well riser and the vessel’s handling equipment during well intervention operations, while also facilitating safe access into the riser.

Osbit stood out from the shortlist of four companies for delivering a world first in operational flexibility, by facilitating coiled tubing and wireline operations without the need to detach from the well. This technology is expected to significantly improve the revenues generated by its contractor, removing the need for tool changeover and permitting operation in worse weather conditions.

The systems also deliver safe, integrated access and maintenance where none has existed before. Each ITF features three platform access levels, supported by Osbit-supplied BOP Maintenance & Storage Towers and Moveable Decks.  The access offered enhances cost-effectiveness, by reducing maintenance-related downtime and streamlining operational changeover. It is also a significant advancement in safe operations, removing the need to use man riding winches.

Brendon Hayward, Managing Director at Osbit, said:

“We are immensely proud to receive this award, which recognises the ingenuity and skill of our talented engineers. It is a particularly special achievement given that the winner was voted for by our industry peers. The win is also testament to the effectiveness of the collaborative working relationship we have developed with Helix Well Ops. This was crucial in facilitating the development of a bespoke solution that is effective, safe, and competitively priced to reflect current market conditions.”