Fabrication of conventional platforms, i.e. jackets and topsides for shallow-water developments is and will continue to be the core capacity of SONAMET. With due respect to the idea of fabrication, all skills required to fabricate deepwater structures come from the experience gained from conventional fabrications.
 
 


Welding is the crux activity of steel fabrication and welding skills for the purpose of delivering offshore platforms, are not obtained overnight. SONAMET, therefore, has a permanent welding school, to train new welders and to allow confirmed welders to steadily improve their skills, learn new welding techniques, particularly on special alloys, and finally be able to supervise and train other welders.
 
 

SONAMET has brilliantly proven its capacity at delivering the state-of-the-art conventional platforms ever since the creation of the yard in 1997. The following year, the two first jackets and decks for CABGOC’s (ChevronTexaco) Vouch and Kungulo platforms were under fabrication with load-out and delivery taking place during the summer of 1999. This project remains memorable for the client and the yard itself, as the platforms got erected out of a 130 acre site, which previously was a no-mans land, so to speak. The success of the challenge is owed to the strong partnership established with the client.
 
 

SONAMET’s capability to erect jackets and decks has been confirmed during the years. The latest sailaway was for the award of the Living Quarter jacket, and WPA topsides for CABGOC Sanha Condensate project. These were the largest jacket and deck ever built on the yard, respectively of 1,500 tons plus piles for the jacket and of 1,800 tons for the topsides.


SONAMET’s load-out capacity for conventional structures is in excess of 2,000 tons. The capacity of skids is upgraded and dedicated cargo barges are available for transport and launch of the jackets, and/or transport and lift of the topsides.