Dockwise :: Weblog 2010

As part of the Dockwise Group of Companies, Offshore Kinematics (OKI) is an innovative leader in the development and supply of float-over installation systems. With decades of experience, OKI has worked on more float-over projects than any other company in the industry. The synergy between OKI and Dockwise has continued to accelerate this year, creating more win-win opportunities for our customers. The recent successful completion of the CPOC and first of two Vyborg projects are excellent examples of how our strong partnership enables us to provide clients with the versatile, full range of services they need to achieve their goals. OKI was responsible for supplying the Deck Mating System components for the first and second Vyborg semi-submersible decks, each weighing almost 19,000 metric tons. The second phase of the Vyborg Project is currently underway and illustrates how the combined strengths and specialized services of the Dockwise Group of Companies strengthens our ability to create a unique and powerful niche within this industry.

OKI’s core business is to design, fabricate, fully-scale test and supply project specific offshore float-over installation equipment and we are focused on becoming the leader in offshore installation equipment. To date, we have supplied more than 160 custom designed installation components to 15 of the world’s biggest offshore projects. All our mating units cater to each customer’s unique requirements and demands, allowing us to ensure a successful and safe installation. Our commitment to our customers is evident through our efforts to reduce the risk exposure for high profile projects. The inclusion of float-over installation equipment assists to allow customers to have greater windows of operation for the installation, which can ultimately lead to reduced offshore time and associated costs. OKI achieves this by designing the most suitable and safest mating units available, testing all components at full-scale, and delivering the equipment to the customer for a flawless float-over installation operation.

Our Research & Development (R&D) activities at OKI continue to revolutionize the reliability and scale of float-over installations. Our most recent R&D achievement has been the construction of a test press capable of creating 11,800 metric tons of compression force. This tool, the only one of its kind in the world, gives us the unmatched capability to test every piece of installation hardware in house before utilization. This investment allows us to develop new approaches in materials and design that will keep us at the forefront of hardware technology for the installation of bigger and heavier topside assemblies. The first official use of the press will take place next month, when we use it to test the mating hardware for Woodside’s North Rankin B Project.

Our record of achievement and the synergy created by Dockwise and OKI benefit all our customers, and help us achieve our goal of being the leading contractor of choice. We are proud to be a part of the Dockwise Group of Companies, providing leadership in the Offshore Installation Market, while still offering the global market value added solutions and technologies. We’re ready to solve the world’s engineering challenges in this industry, while developing even more R&D and testing capabilities.

Brad Currin is the General Manager of OKI in Houston, Texas.