Saab Seaeye Takes Part in Angolan Rig to Reef Project

With the first platform decommissioning project in Africa underway, the environmental quality services company, EQS, has tagged Saab Seaeye to help in transforming the oil platform into an artificial reef.

“By operating the Seaeye Falcon and all its related capabilities, EQS is supporting its aim to fulfill specific works in a safe and cost-effective manner delivering accurate and relevant information,” says Chief Technical Officer at EQS, Carlos Rodrigues.

The Falcon is assisting in the survey and mapping of all underwater components, including checking the wellhead, pipelines, and the surrounding maritime environment. Baseline environmental conditions are determined by taking water and sediment samples at several stations and at different depths, focusing on biological matter, namely zooplankton, phytoplankton, and benthos.

Significant marine growth already exists throughout the structure with abundant marine life already in the area for populating the rig when toppled on its side to become an artificial reef. Once decommissioning is complete, a series of surveys will be scheduled to monitor the evolution of marine growth on the newly created reef.

EQS selected the Seaeye Falcon for its ability to handle an array of cameras, sensors, tooling, and complex data-gathering systems that include a digital multi-frequency profiling sonar.

Having reached the end of its service life the rig’s transformation into a reef is being undertaken under the auspices of The Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas of Angola.

EQS helps offshore energy clients navigate the complex environmental regulatory landscape including compliance, HSE subjects, and business liabilities. The mission involves a multi-disciplinary team from different companies and sectors of activity, including marine biology, hydrographic surveys, quality inspectors, and personnel specialized in survey equipment such as the Falcon.

Future work involves clearing an area of fish nets, restoring platform signaling and marking, positioning of signal buoys, and confirmation of pipeline locations along with the surveys to monitor marine growth.

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