The platform is operated by IPC Malaysia Ltd.  Other participants are Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd, Sands Petroleum AB and Petrovietnam Exploration and Production. The platform produced first oil on 30th July 1997 to an FPSO nearby via a flexible flowline.

ICON carried out the engineering in Perth and mobilised teams to Kuala Lumpur, the loadout site in Pasir Gudang near Johor Bahru, and to Sedco's Jackup Rig “Trident 17” for the construction phase. The water depth at the BK-A location is 56 m.  The platform was designed by Ranhill Worley.

The option to use the jackup rig was chosen because it was significantly cheaper than using a derrick barge and because it offered the flexibility of being able to install the substructure and commence development drilling three months before the topsides was completed.

Topsides Loadout

The structure was fabricated by Sime Sembawang Engineering Malaysia and loaded out by sheer leg crane at Pasir Gudang.  ICON engineered the loadout lift rigging and supervised the preparation of the topsides for offshore installation.

Marine Transportation

ICON prepared all seafastening designs and supervised the fitout of the barge with the necessary tow and mooring equipment.  All naval architecture and design work for the loadout, tow and installation was the responsibility of ICON. The ICON onshore team ensured a timely sailaway to avoid the possibility of any rig delays.  The topsides were carefully prepared with installation and hookup equipment to ensure the fastest possible offshore installation and hookup time.  Topsides positioning on the barge was critical to suit the tight lift clearances using the jackup rig.

The Bunga Kekwa topsides during loadout

Topsides Installation

As the onshore ICON team prepared the topsides another ICON team simultaneously positioned the rig and made preparations for the topsides lift. Very accurate rig positioning relative to the existing wells was critical for the success of the lift. ICON directed rig positioning operations.

Prior to the installation ICON assisted with the tie-back of four existing wells and installation of conductor guides. ICON directed all rig construction and mooring operations during the topsides installation phase.

The BKA PM3 lift was the heaviest jackup installation in SE Asia

The barge had no independent mooring system. Accurate barge positioning required carefully planned vessel operations. The complete topsides installation was carried out within a day.

Rig positioning and lift preparrations for Bunga Kekwa PM3