Resolve Marine Group’s Derrick Barge »DB1« 6000-ton deadlift is the most environmentally friendly marine salvage and removal mission to be successfully accomplished this millennium. A case study
The 1-piece planned lift required several months of planning, engineering, and on-site preparations. It also demanded braving through[ds_preview] extreme weather challenges and fabricating specialized equipment. Resolve successfully raised the sunken vessel executing the heaviest salvage lift in the Americas.
The 350 ft x 100 ft derrick barge »DB1« sank 30 nm offshore in the Gulf of Mexico on 22 October, 2017, due to adverse weather. The vessel dragged anchors and contacted the offshore platform that it was engaged in removing. Multiple compartments were breached and the »DB1« came to rest on the sea floor on top of the platform jacket structure.
The removal project required the mobilization of assets from Resolve’s salvage bases located around the world including Singapore, Fort Lauderdale, and Mobile. Key project assets included Resolve’s patented heave-compensated chain puller lift system deployed from the »Conquest MB1« 1,400-t-derrick barge and »RMG 302« crane barge. Resolve mobilized a 40-person team of salvage experts and divers led by Senior Salvage Master Andy Butts and Project Manager Mujeeb Ansari. The 24/7 operation engaged numerous support vessels and resources from the region.
After extensive preparations including the installation of heavy rigging under the »DB1«, the lifting gear was connected and the »DB1« was steadily raised to the surface between the »MB1« and »RMG 302« exerting 6,000t of lift force. Resolve then mobilized the »Boabarge 29«, a semi-submersible barge to the offshore site to receive the »DB1«. On arrival, the »Boabarge 29« submerged to the seafloor and the »DB1« was winched over the top within inches of margin. The submersible barge was then raised with the vessel safely aboard and then towed to Brownsville, Texas, for dismantling and recycling.
»Raising the DB1 was an extraordinary engineering and operations challenge and I am extremely proud of the entire project team,« stated Todd Schauer, Resolve’s Director of Operations. »Special recognition« is extended to our key support partners including Conquest Offshore, BOA Barges, Offshore Towing, Offshore Marine Contractors, Smith Maritime, Tradewinds Towing, and Oceaneering. We also thank the owner team of Turkey Offshore Project Solutions, QBE Insurance and London Offshore Consultants for choosing Resolve and for facilitating a smooth operation.«
