KOTUG has successfully completed the replacement of the bogie wheel and rail system on Azule Energy’s Single Point Mooring (SPM) CALM buoy in Angola’s Block 18. This buoy, one of the largest of its kind in the world, was installed in 2007 in approximately 1,200 meters. It serves as the primary export route for oil from the Greater Plutonio FPSO.
The key objective for the project was to ensure that the replacement work was carried out without disrupting ongoing oil production and export operations. To achieve this, KOTUG’s team conducted a comprehensive site survey, handled engineering and procurement, and developed detailed procedures to ensure safe, high-quality execution within the limited timeframe between tanker calls at the SPM.
In October 2024, KOTUG’s 31-person team worked tirelessly around the clock to complete the work safely, finishing 7 hours ahead of schedule despite the CALM buoy being handed over 15 hours later than expected. The 24-hour operation included transfers between the DP2 Offshore Support Vessel and the CALM buoy during nighttime hours — an unusual task in the field. However, KOTUG’s extensive experience and long-term contracted terminal support vessels, combined with robust safety measures, made the nighttime transfers possible and executed them without incident.
This successful project is a testament to KOTUG’s offshore expertise, meticulous planning, and commitment to exceeding client expectations, particularly in challenging SPM terminal operations.
