Unique Seaflex, a Unique Maritime Group company that provides turnkey subsea and offshore solutions, were recently contacted by Saipem in Portugal to urgently conduct a 550t load test on a derrick barge located at Point Noire in the Congo. With 100t of solid weights in hand, they required an additional 450t to complete the test.

Established in 1987, and now operating out of its purpose-built premises in Cowes, UK, Unique Seaflex is a world-leading manufacturer of air-filled bags for salvage and installation operations and of water-filled bags for testing or ballasting purposes.

The immediacy of the requirement demanded a swift response from the supply chain, especially given the total absence of any suitable equipment within the local market. Unique Seaflex were able to provide thirteen 35t WaterLoad test bags plus accessories on a rental basis within the required timescales, avoiding un-necessary and expensive barge downtime.

The equipment package was flown down from the UK to the Congo, where it was met by an experienced Unique Seaflex technician with a BOSIET ticket who was able to assist Saipem’s crew with the rigging and the safe and efficient use of the WaterLoad Bags in accordance with LEEA Guidance 051.