Loading began on April 2 of a 17,247-ton DF13-2CEPB offshore gas platform superstructure at the COOEC-Fluor Fabrication Yard in Zhuhai's Gaolan Port Economic Zone.

The topside is to depart on April 10 en route to the Yingge Sea Basin in western South China Sea. Larger than a soccer field, measuring 115 m (126 yd) long, 46 m (50 yd) wide, and 96 m (105 yd) high, it weighs about the same as 10,000 passenger cars, according to Wang Changlin, deputy manager at COOEC-Fluor.

Four levels contain processing facilities and living quarters for 120 workers. It will operate in the DF13-2 gas fields of the South China Sea. The high-pressure and high-temperature fields are expected to release 43,400 barrels of oil-equivalent per day at peak.

DF13-2CEPB topside at Gaolan Port [Photo by Zhang Zhou / Zhuhai Daily]

With highly integrated systematic engineering, the superstructure was manufactured at the company's fabrication yard in Gaolan Port. One of the largest in the world, the yard is specifically designed for large-scale module fabrication and assembly.

Encompassing 303 mechanical and electrical devices involving 22 process systems, the topside also has three 22.5Mw natural gas generator units -- one of the domestically largest arrangements ever for natural gas projects.

COOEC-Fluor has multitasked from design to purchase and construction while handling tens of thousands of materials. Even with the tightest schedule, more than 800 workers operated large-scale hoisting machines, performed high above the ground, tested high voltage systems, and fulfilled many other tasks. Zero accidents were reported during 2.3 million working hours, according to Wang.

COOEC-Fluor was founded in 2016 with joint investment from China Offshore Oil Engineering (Zhuhai) and Fluor. The company produces floating facilities, fixed platforms, underwater products, and process modular products. Fluor Corp, a multinational engineering and construction firm headquartered in Irving, Texas, USA, is becoming a leading enterprise echelon in the global offshore-oil engineering field.