Temporary floaters assist in the lowering of the platform to the seabed. The lowering is achieved by a combination of ballasting and releasing of the chain jacks operated from the floaters. For the first client of the SIP I platform, an EC subsidy is available of EUR 1 million. Upon arrival in the field the four legs are lowered to the seabed using e.g. strand jacks until the suction buckets have self penetrated in to the seabed. Following installation of the suction piles, the deck is jacked up to its final elevation and the barge is demobilised.
SEA is an alternative suction pile installed anchor with excellent vertical holding capacity.
SEA consists of two half shells and is installed using a suction installation pile. The scope of work included the detailed design and installation of the four 9m OD x 9m deep suction piles for each of the three platforms in 30-35m water depth. I is a self installing mono-pile platform which is towed to the field floating on the buoyancy within the suction buckets. SIP II has a max. 60m water depth and limited draught.