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Latest News - Spring 2007

Research and Development

SEtech are pleased to announce completion of their Finpile research contract. This was funded by the DTI and was focused on achieving improved lateral capacity and stiffness of monopile foundations being used almost exclusively for offshore wind turbines.


The work included finite element modelling, laboratory testing and field trials of piles and demonstrated that savings of up to 30% of steel weight could be achieved in some ground conditions. Other benefits are also anticipated to reduce requirements for drill outs and extension of monopile type foundations into deeper water depths.


The work has been presented to several windfarm developers and to a recent DTI research seminar in London. Considerable interest is being generated in the work and we are hopeful that the technique will be used on a met mast foundation in the near future.


Telecom

In conjunction with sister company Gardline Marine Sciences Ltd, SEtech offer an integrated planning, survey and engineering service for the submarine telecoms industry. This was demonstrated for a new fibre optic cable link connecting the UK mainland to Guernsey and Brittany, France. Following an initial desk top study, survey permitting was carried out by SEtech. Following completion of the route survey, SEtech also carried out a burial assessment. Working together on this fast track project, Gardline and SEtech were able to offer a fully integrated service.


Suction Pile Design

SEtech have developed a strong track record in suction pile design with a number of projects completed off west Africa on behalf of Acergy. SEtech is also currently undertaking suction pile design for a PLEM structure for a field development off Malaysia on behalf of Acergy Asia.


SEtech has recently partnered London Marine Consultants (LMC) in the design of FPSO suction anchors for the Sonagol Gimboa project, offshore Angola. SEtech undertook the specialist geotechical design with LMC completing the structural design. This was the first collaboration between the two companies and used the skills of both to their best advantage.

 

Renewables

Following on from the UK Round 1 offshore wind farm sites, SEtech has been working on a number of the Round 2 sites currently at the planning stage.


SEtech have recently completed a foundation feasibility study for a proposed east coast Round 2 site as part of the Front End Engineering and Design (FEED). The study comprised a review of site conditions to aid turbine layout selection and preliminary foundation sizing. Consideration was given to a range of foundation options including gravity base, monopile and finpile.


In conjuction with Gardline Geosciences and Marine GeoSystem, France, SEtech provided engineering support to geotechnical surveys for two Round 2 wind farm sites. Each project comprised the drilling of boreholes advanced by rotary drilling from an anchored barge. Operations and client liaison was managed by Marine GeoSystem, with Gardline Geosciences performing offshore and onshore geotechnical testing. In addition to providing offshore staff, SEtech undertook the factual and interpretative reporting for the projects.


Current Vacancies

- Senior Geotechnical Engineer (North Shields, Tyne and Wear)

- Intermediate Geotechnical Engineers (North Shields, Tyne and Wear)

- Senior Geotechnical Engineer (Great Yarmouth, Norfolk)


Further details on these vacancies



Last Updated: Wednesday, 16 May, 2007