Compact Housing GRP Work Platform

At a Glance

Odfjell Drilling approached Relinea to design and manufacture a Modular GRP work platform for Mariner A drilling facilities This was needed to facilitate efficient, safe personnel access to compact housing and wellhead/lower riser connections at every wellhead Odfjell faced key challenges in minimising lost time, which averaged 4-6 hours during scaffold installations per wellhead. They also required a high-quality, safe, and easily maintainable design. The solution involved creating a modular, lightweight, and relocatable platform using GRP.

Client

Odfjell

Location

Scotland
, Scotland

Services

Design, Supply

Products

GRP Access Platform

Explain your needs

Problem/Challenge

Odfjell sought a modular work platform to address operational inefficiencies and safety challenges at the Mariner A drilling facilities. The current scaffold setup led to significant time losses – 4 to 6 hours per installation at each wellhead. Moreover, they required a system that met stringent criteria. The platform needed to support two personnel (125 kg each) with a total live load limit of 500 kg, ensuring safety and reliability. It had to minimise on-site erection time and be easy to maintain. Furthermore, the modules needed to be relocatable manually within the deck walkways while accommodating wellhead height variations of up to ±150mm. Lastly, corrosion resistance was essential for the saliferous offshore atmosphere.

Solution

Relinea designed and supplied a modular GRP work platform leveraging the advanced properties of Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP). This material was chosen for its lightweight nature, high strength, and superior corrosion resistance, making it ideal for offshore applications. The platform, measuring 2600mm x 2600mm x 1600mm, was designed in four relocatable sections to meet all the client’s requirements.

The modular design consists of four sections: two end sections with lockable castors and ladders, and two liftable centre sections that slot into stainless steel (SS) brackets. Handrails were designed as removable components, secured into specially made SS brackets for flexibility. Individual modules were engineered to stay within manual handling limits (≤25 kg per lift) and could be relocated by two personnel using wheels.

GRP structural profiles were manufactured with isophthalic polyester UV-stabilised resin and surface veils, fully compliant with BSEN13706 (E23 grade). The GRP grating, Re-Grid 38mm deep with a 38mm mesh, conformed to BS4592 Part 4. Stainless steel (316, Grade A) components were used for the handrail brackets and posts, enhancing durability.

The platform was designed for a uniform distributed load (UDL) of 3 kN/m², ensuring robust structural performance.

GRP Benefits for Offshore Applications

GRP’s resistance to saline and corrosive environments eliminates concerns about equipment degradation, reducing maintenance costs and increasing longevity. Its high strength-to-weight ratio enables easier handling and assembly while maintaining structural integrity. GRP also withstands UV exposure and wear, ensuring long-term reliability in harsh offshore conditions. Additionally, its non-conductive nature enhances personnel safety in electrically sensitive environments.

Outcome

The Relinea designed GRP work platform will significantly reduce operational time losses while meeting stringent safety and reliability standards. Its modular, relocatable design and corrosion-resistant construction made it a durable, low-maintenance solution perfectly suited to the demanding offshore environment of the Mariner A drilling facilities.