A three-man IRATA Rope access trades team replacing the flare on the INPEX FPSO

Ichthys Venturer FPSO Flare Tip Replacement

During the 2021 INPEX turnaround, Vertech was the contractor of choice to replace the flare tip on the Ichthys Venturer FPSO (Floating Production and Offloading Facility). Our scope included the installation of a custom-designed Conbit supplied flare tip lifting system built around the 3.2ton flare tip at an elevation of 176m. Our team of highly skilled IRATA rope access tradespersons coordinated between the deck level and flare tip to safely lift, construct, and install the lifting system – 2,600 individual components

 

Offshore, the Vertech team successfully navigated the complexity of the sea state and vessel movement, working within strict parameters to execute the main lifts to remove and replace the flare. Throughout the project, our teams safely ascended and descended a combined 300km and effectively managed over 3,500 potential dropped objects.

Pre-Mobilisation Training

A video of the Vertech IRATA rope access, Mechanical and rigging teams completing pre-mobilisation mock up training on the flare tip handling package before deploying offshore to delivering the V-FLARE flare tip replacement on the Ichthys Venturer FPSO for Inpex. Play video

As part of the project preparations, the INPEX project team arranged a replica of the flare tip platform in Darwin. It provided access to the capital spare flare tip for training purposes. This allowed our team the time to not only intimately understand the construction and use of the lifting system but to come together and form one high-performing team before mobilising offshore for the turnaround.

The foundations for the successful delivery of this project were formed through detailed planning and early engagement by INPEX. This foresight ensured a comprehensive and shared understanding of the project’s specifics and its unique challenges while aligning all parties on the safest and most efficient methodology to complete the scope. Thanks to the INPEX team for this level of engagement and for supporting the pre-mobilisation mock-up training.

Flare Tip Replacement

A video of the Vertech IRATA rope access, Mechanical and rope access rigging teams to delivering the V-FLARE flare tip replacement on the Ichthys Venturer FPSO for Inpex. Play video

Our team of highly skilled IRATA rope access tradespersons co-ordination between the deck level and flare tip to safely lift, construct and install the lifting system, which comprised 2,600 individual components in total. Offshore, the Vertech team navigated the complexity of sea state, wind, and vessel movement, working within strict parameters to successfully execute the main lifts to remove and replace the flare. Throughout the project, our teams safely ascended and descended a combined 300km and effectively managed over 3,500 potential dropped objects delivering the scope on time, on budget and most importantly, with a perfect safety record.

INPEX Corporate HSE Award

The INPEX executive in Tokyo awarding Vertech’s Rope access teams with a corporate health, safety, and environmental award for the safe delivery of the V-FLARE flare tip replacement on the Ichthys Venturer FPSO for Inpex.

Following the successful execution of this scope, the Vertech Flare Tip Replacement Team were honoured to receive a prestigious Corporate HSE Activity Award from the INPEX executive. Vertech’s Onshore & Projects Manager Adam Haling and Managing Director Tom Brennan attended the awards ceremony at INPEX Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, to show their dedication and commitment to safety and to accept the awards in person.

The successful and safe execution of the flare tip is further built upon the strong relationships Vertech and INPEX have established. Our Inpex journey commenced in 2015 with the baseline hull structural inspection contract award. This contract saw Vertech’s marine inspectors working closely with INPEX throughout the construction phase in South Korea. Our relationship strengthened, and the scope of services expanded as the INPEX assets arrived in Australian waters and transitioned into operations. We now provide a comprehensive array of inspection and integrity services across the INPEX facilities, along with specialist maintenance work and shutdown support.

Vertech MD Tom Brennan and Project Manager Adam haling presenting INPEX senior executives with a gift from Darwin’s traditional custodians, the Larrakia people.

In the spirit of collaboration and teamwork, and to show our gratitude for INPEX’s support in our collective pursuit of safety excellence, Vertech presented a unique gift to INPEX’s Takahiko Ikeda (Director, Senior Executive Vice President) and Wataru Nojiri (Executive Officer). Our gift incorporated framed project images and a woven djeng (fish) from Darwin’s traditional custodians, the Larrakia people, which is symbolic of the word Ichthys.

The Djeng was purchased from Darwin’s Aboriginal Bush Traders.

 

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Vertech IRATA rope access, Mechanical and rope access rigging teams installing the new flare tip on the Ichthys Venturer FPSO for Inpex.
Vertech IRATA rope access, Mechanical and rope access rigging teams installing the new flare tip on the Ichthys Venturer FPSO for Inpex.
Three Vertech IRATA rope access, Mechanical and rope access riggers hauling the new flare tip into place on the Ichthys Venturer FPSO for Inpex .
A Vertech IRATA level 3 mechanical fitter setting up the rigging system above the Ichthys Venturer FPSO for Inpex as part of a flare tip replacement.
Vertech IRATA rope access, Mechanical and rope access riggers removing the old flare tip on the Ichthys Venturer FPSO for Inpex ready for the installation of a new flare tip.
The Conbit flare handling package being utilised by Vertech rope access mechanical and rigging teams to position the new flare for installation at the top of the flare.
The Vertech flare tip replacement team utilising the flare handing package to position the old flare tip ready to lower it to the deck of the Ichthys Venturer FPSO for Inpex.
The Vertech flare tip replacement team utilising the flare handing package to position the old flare tip ready to lower it to the deck of the Ichthys Venturer FPSO for Inpex.
A team photo at the top of the Ichthys Venturer FPSO for Inpex. The team is made up of high performing IRATA rope access riggers and rope access mechanical fitters.
Vertech IRATA rope access, Mechanical and rope access rigging teams installing the new flare tip on the Ichthys Venturer FPSO for Inpex.loading=
Three Vertech IRATA rope access, Mechanical and rope access riggers hauling the new flare tip into place on the Ichthys Venturer FPSO for Inpex .loading=
A Vertech IRATA level 3 mechanical fitter setting up the rigging system above the Ichthys Venturer FPSO for Inpex as part of a flare tip replacement.loading=
Vertech IRATA rope access, Mechanical and rope access riggers removing the old flare tip on the Ichthys Venturer FPSO for Inpex ready for the installation of a new flare tip.loading=
The Conbit flare handling package being utilised by Vertech rope access mechanical and rigging teams to position the new flare for installation at the top of the flare.loading=
The Vertech flare tip replacement team utilising the flare handing package to position the old flare tip ready to lower it to the deck of the Ichthys Venturer FPSO for Inpex.loading=
The Vertech flare tip replacement team utilising the flare handing package to position the old flare tip ready to lower it to the deck of the Ichthys Venturer FPSO for Inpex.loading=
A team photo at the top of the Ichthys Venturer FPSO for Inpex. The team is made up of high performing IRATA rope access riggers and rope access mechanical fitters.loading=
Ichthys Venturer FPSO Flare Tip Replacement Case Study
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