James Fisher & Sons : Mojo recognised for expertise in complex tidal turbine retrieval project

Mojo Maritime recognised for its expertise in complex tidal turbine retrieval project.

Selected as the world leader in tidal energy marine operations, Mojo Maritime - subsidiary of James Fisher Marine Services (JFMS), was awarded a contract with SABELLA SAS (SABELLA). A French tidal energy company, SABELLA required the retrieval and demonstration of re-installation of its D10 tidal turbine to enable planned maintenance to improve a continued secure source of electricity power supply.

The scope of the first phase of the tidal device contract included the design and manufacture of bespoke, project critical equipment, a remote launch and recovery system and docking frame, which were both manufactured and commissioned to a high standard exceptionally quickly to meet a very short lead time due to the project's demanding schedule. The D10 turbine will be reinstalled during the autumn after a period of maintenance.

SABELLA's D10 tidal turbine is the first device to have ever exported electricity onto the French power grid, achieving 70MWh of production so far. The device has been installed to provide electricity to nearby isolated Ushant Island, which previously produced all of its electricity with diesel generators, and its inhabitants are the first people to consume marine generated electricity in France.

Fanch Le Bris, SABELLA's CEO said; 'SABELLA's team really enjoyed working with Mojo on this complex project with a number of engineering and maritime challenges. We as a team have really appreciated your close collaboration, high level expertise and your capacity to manage potential situations of stress.'

The retrieval project was lead locally through Mojo Maritime France SAS to allow efficient project management with SABELLA, local sub-contractors and coordination of all logistics within French waters. The operation was undertaken using the DP-3 vessel Aker Wayfarer.

Le Bris continued; 'We also would like to highlight the quality of the vessel, ROV and all equipment involved in this operation which has also been key to achieving success in such a hostile environment as the Fromveur strait.'

Mojo Maritime is renowned for its specialist project management and consultancy services, utilising its sophisticated marine operations planning and analysis system, Mermaid, to provide advanced understanding of the weather risk of the device retrieval project, and its potential impact on the schedule to enable significant cost reductions and project optimisation.

Richard Parkinson commented on the project's success; 'We are very pleased to have executed the first phase of this project against challenging deadlines. I am very proud of the Mojo team for developing innovative and robust solutions allowing for rapid, efficient and safe retrieval and reinstallation of the turbine. The design and fabrication of the LARS and berth in such a short time, just 4 weeks, was very impressive and took a huge effort. The results were excellent and we were able to draw on years of experience operating on tidal energy projects.'

The contract is a continuation of JFMS and Mojo Maritime's success in the marine energy sector, which includes the Ramsay sound and MeyGen projects, and is a timely win, as the French government has recently committed to significant investment in marine renewable energy over the next seven years. Marine energy is part of its energy transition plan to build sustainable, green growth, with an aim of achieving 100MW of installed projects by 2023 and JFMS and Mojo are extremely well placed to deliver their combined expertise.