Boskalis installs heaviest topside at Al Shaheen Field offshore Qatar

The installation, a critical phase of Qatar’s offshore energy expansion, was completed using the company’s semi-submersible heavy transport vessel, Forte, according to a statement from Boskalis.

The installation was carried out using a dynamic positioning (DP) float-over operation, a precise and complex procedure. During the operation, the Forte carefully manoeuvred the 17,818-tonne CPP topside into position over the pre-installed jacket. Once aligned, the vessel was ballasted to lower the topside onto the jacket, completing the installation.

This project marks a significant milestone for Boskalis, as the Gallaf CPP topside represents the heaviest cargo ever loaded onto Forte using the skid-on method. This method, which involves sliding the topside from the quayside onto the vessel’s deck via a rail system, took place at the HOC yard in South Korea.

The Gallaf installation is the second DP float-over installation completed by Forte in 2024, following the successful installation of the Jerun A topside in Malaysia earlier this year.

The Al Shaheen field, one of Qatar’s largest oil fields, is undergoing extensive development to enhance its production capabilities. Boskalis’s role in this project highlights its expertise in complex offshore transport and installation services, further solidifying its position as a key player in global offshore energy projects.

Boskalis continues to contribute to significant offshore developments worldwide, leveraging its technical capabilities and advanced fleet to support the energy transition and sustainable maritime operations