Project Overview
Operations on Suncor’s thin fine tailings pond requires man access to on-water assets. A solution was needed to provide easy man access to the water assets despite the unique complications. Due to material being continuously deposited on shore, the shoreline topography was extreme and continuously changing, making traditional access impossible. Hagler Systems was contacted to co-design and fabricate a floating platform with a 300' suspended gangway capable of slewing 45 degrees left to right and with up to 17 degrees of inclination.
ChallengeThe Challenges We Solved
- The hull must be capable of withstanding ice crushing forces in the -40C environment.
- Fabricate an 82 meter, single point suspend gangway.
- Hull design must be capable of keeping a level trim on the floating platform with the gangway in all positions, with minimal ballasting.
- Design 4 station hydraulic control for mooring of the platform and gangway positioning rated to -40C.
Where We Excelled
- Developed first in the industry ice class calculation for ice crushing forces for a non-regulated marine application.
- Modular design allowed for 1 million pound asset to be fully assembled, tested and shipped from Augusta, Georgia, to Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada.
- Employed state of the art manufacturing techniques to laser cut over 140 unique structural tubings for the gangway with no scrap.
- Managed globally sourced procurements and service providers to allow for an on-time delivery.
