CASE STUDY

Cofferdams for Spudcan Repairs

THE CHALLENGE
UMC International was tasked to create a dry working environment around the giant
Location: Esbjerg, Denmark
support feet (spudcans) of a jack up oil rig. The cofferdams system had to completely
enclose each spudcan in turn and seal against the underside of the rigs hull. When in Sector: Oil & Gas
position the area around and above the spudcan would be drained, thus allowing
surface workers to carry out required Class approved weld repairs.

Work was carried out in the port of Esbjerg, Denmark with only 10m of water available,
and water visibility of less than 30cm.

THE SOLUTION
UMC International designed,. manufactured and installed a unique cofferdam system
that allowed afloat repair of all three spudcans of a jack up oil rig.

The design of the cofferdam consisted of a bolted hexagonal steel ring with intergrated
ballast tanks and a flexible membrane that covered the underside of the spudcan,
sealing around the steel ring. The benefits of this design over an all steel construction
were reduced weight, manufacturing costs and clearance required for installation.

In addition to the main cofferdam system a series of inflatable seals were placed inside
the steel ring and outside the spudcan; this further reduced the risk of leakage by
providing a secondary sealing system.

The complete cofferdam system measured 16m across, 2m deep and weighed 35
tonnes.

Performance assured