Pluto Project load out

LDD successfully completed the installation and commissioning of its specialist drilling equipment into the huge 3m diameter drill casings for subsequent load out to the Woodside Pluto Jacket installation project. Following shipment from the UK earlier this year the work was completed on time and LDD now await transfer to the field where the Pluto jacket will be launched and the specialist offshore drilling and piling works will begin to fix the massive jacket to the seabed.

LDD are contracted to Woodside to supply specialist offshore large diameter drilling services to support the Pluto jacket installation. The LDD work scope includes the bespoke design, engineering and manufacture of 2 No. 3.3m diameter under reaming units complete with full operating system and comprehensive spares back up.
The Pluto Jacket is configured as a launched four leg extended base tower. The Pluto Substructure will be founded on 12 No. 3m diameter large diameter drilled and grouted piles extending deep into the seabed. The LDD under reamers will be used to expand the drilled shaft diameter in certain sections to increase the roughness of the shaft wall for load transfer to the surrounding formation.
The LDD system design includes monitoring devices to record the opening and closing of the under reamer down hole and contingency safety measures. The under reamers were designed, engineered and manufactured by LDD in the UK in under 14 weeks from award, including full documentation package encompassing specialist operations manuals, drawings, design reports and MDR. Full Factory Acceptance Testing was successfully completed ahead of programme and on budget to the full satisfaction of Woodside.

LDD, an Acteon company, are a specialist marine construction and drilling service company operating worldwide. We are a world leader in offshore large diameter drilling and piling and specialist under reaming techniques and equipment. In addition to our Total Installation services, LDD has a supporting range of specialist lifting and handling products which includes state of the art Sub Sea piling frames, under the brand name of StabFRAME, for shallow and deepwater piling. All equipment is designed and engineered in house to meet the specific needs of our customers.