This ground-up construction serves two major purposes:
Lifeboat Safety Training: The facility allows offshore workers/students to launch and operate a full-size lifeboat capsule. The lifeboat capsule also serves as a back-up boat for the Shell oil platforms in the Gulf of Mexico. If a boat in the Gulf Breaks down or gets damaged during a Hurricane this boat is its replacement.
Offshore Platform Gauges: The 6,500 SF office/repair facility and test bay (located in the pond) are used to repair and test multimillion-dollar gauges that are connected to the oil platforms. The gauges use a proprietary technology to measure winds, sea state (height, period, direction), and air/water temperatures. Additionally, these gauges measure stresses (strain gauges, etc) on the platform structure.
Before this project was completed, if one of these gauges broke down, the different parts and pieces of the equipment had to be shipped to various places all over the U.S. Now, the complete instruments are sent directly to the Shell MetOcean facility where they are repaired and tested in the 12’ deep test bay located in the pond. This minimizes down-time of equipment when service or repairs are required.
The project also included the installation of a 5-ton overhead bridge crane located in the warehouse and an exterior 10-ton monorail system. Together, they are used to transfer instruments and the lifeboat capsule from the warehouse to the test bay.
The pond is also used in The Sea Grant Program which is run by LSU Agricultural Center.
Challenges/Solutions: The lifeboat capsule was provided by a 3rd party who was contracted directly with owner. McDonnel had to coordinate the structural loads, dimensions, and clearance requirements of their lifeboat capsule with the structural design to ensure compatibility. This was done around the schedules of the 3rd party suppliers.
The weather conditions produced additional challenges. Excavation of the pond started in December 2009, which turned out to be one of the wettest months ever recorded, so most of the month was spent excavating and de-watering. McDonnel overcame this setback by working 6 days a week until the concrete retaining wall was completed. This allowed us to backfill and start the building foundation.
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Client:
Shell Oil Company
Location:
Robert, LA
Start Date:
December 2009
Completion Date:
July 2010
Square Footage:
65,000
Categories:
Industrial
Project Facts:
Overview of the Shell MetOcean Facility
The Shell MetOcean Facility is a state-of-the-art construction project designed to enhance safety training for offshore workers. It features advanced technologies that allow for practical training in lifeboat operations and gauge testing, ensuring that personnel are well-prepared for real-world scenarios in offshore environments.
This facility plays a crucial role in the offshore oil industry by providing a dedicated space for testing and repairing essential equipment. With a focus on safety and efficiency, the Shell MetOcean Facility not only supports training but also streamlines the maintenance and calibration of critical instruments, minimizing downtime for offshore operations.
Key Features of the Facility
The Shell MetOcean Facility boasts several key features that contribute to its effectiveness in training and testing. The lifeboat safety training area allows trainees to operate a full-size lifeboat capsule in a controlled environment, which is vital for developing the necessary skills for emergency situations.
Additionally, the facility includes a 12-foot deep test bay that is equipped with proprietary technology for measuring environmental conditions such as wind speed and sea state. This enables accurate data collection and analysis, ensuring that offshore platforms can operate safely and efficiently.
Challenges Faced During Construction
During the construction of the Shell MetOcean Facility, the project team encountered significant challenges, particularly with the excavation of the pond. December 2009 was one of the wettest months on record, complicating the de-watering process and delaying initial construction timelines.
To overcome these obstacles, McDonnel implemented innovative solutions, including advanced drainage techniques and careful planning to ensure that structural loads and dimensions were met. This adaptability was crucial in maintaining the project schedule and delivering the facility on time.
Project Facts and Specifications
The Shell MetOcean Facility spans 65,000 square feet and was completed in July 2010. It was commissioned by Shell Oil Company and is located in Robert, Louisiana. The project's timeline began in December 2009, highlighting the efficient execution of construction despite the challenges faced.
Key specifications of the facility include its dual-purpose design for lifeboat safety training and gauge testing, which underscores its importance in the offshore oil sector. The facility exemplifies McDonnel's commitment to quality and safety in industrial construction projects.
Overview of the Shell MetOcean Facility
The Shell MetOcean Facility is a state-of-the-art construction project designed to enhance safety training for offshore workers. It features advanced technologies that allow for practical training in lifeboat operations and gauge testing, ensuring that personnel are well-prepared for real-world scenarios in offshore environments.
This facility plays a crucial role in the offshore oil industry by providing a dedicated space for testing and repairing essential equipment. With a focus on safety and efficiency, the Shell MetOcean Facility not only supports training but also streamlines the maintenance and calibration of critical instruments, minimizing downtime for offshore operations.
Key Features of the Facility
The Shell MetOcean Facility boasts several key features that contribute to its effectiveness in training and testing. The lifeboat safety training area allows trainees to operate a full-size lifeboat capsule in a controlled environment, which is vital for developing the necessary skills for emergency situations.
Additionally, the facility includes a 12-foot deep test bay that is equipped with proprietary technology for measuring environmental conditions such as wind speed and sea state. This enables accurate data collection and analysis, ensuring that offshore platforms can operate safely and efficiently.
Challenges Faced During Construction
During the construction of the Shell MetOcean Facility, the project team encountered significant challenges, particularly with the excavation of the pond. December 2009 was one of the wettest months on record, complicating the de-watering process and delaying initial construction timelines.
To overcome these obstacles, McDonnel implemented innovative solutions, including advanced drainage techniques and careful planning to ensure that structural loads and dimensions were met. This adaptability was crucial in maintaining the project schedule and delivering the facility on time.
Project Facts and Specifications
The Shell MetOcean Facility spans 65,000 square feet and was completed in July 2010. It was commissioned by Shell Oil Company and is located in Robert, Louisiana. The project's timeline began in December 2009, highlighting the efficient execution of construction despite the challenges faced.
Key specifications of the facility include its dual-purpose design for lifeboat safety training and gauge testing, which underscores its importance in the offshore oil sector. The facility exemplifies McDonnel's commitment to quality and safety in industrial construction projects.
