Captain Wellhead Protection Platform (WPP) Barge Campaign

The Challenge 

The campaign presented a range of operational challenges requiring careful coordination and control including: 

• Maintaining alignment across a broad and evolving scope while delivering within a constrained timeframe 

• Continuous adjustment of plans as inspection findings emerged, requiring flexibility in resource deployment and execution strategy 

• Coordination across multiple inspection teams and management of interfaces between parallel activities 

• Constraints on personnel on board (POB), tight schedule pressures and narrow weather windows 

• Ensuring the availability of appropriately qualified personnel, equipment and inspection techniques at the right time 

• Managing and processing large volumes of inspection data while maintaining accuracy and delivering timely, high-quality reporting to support decision-making 

As the incumbent contractor, Altrad was required to significantly scale delivery capability, including the execution of both conventional and advanced non-destructive testing programmes at pace and volume. 

The Outcome 

The campaign was successfully delivered within the planned operational window achieving safe, efficient execution and comprehensive inspection coverage across the asset. 

• Flexible and scalable delivery approach enabled efficient execution across multiple work fronts without compromising quality or compliance  

• Phased resource deployment and blended NDT techniques supported adaptation to evolving scope and operational demands  

• Effective coordination and integrated planning ensured alignment across stakeholders and interfaces  

• Robust cost and performance controls maintained strong commercial discipline throughout delivery  

• High-quality inspection data was captured and processed in a timely manner, providing a reliable integrity baseline  

• Findings enabled informed, risk-based decision-making to support forward maintenance planning  

This approach ensured the campaign delivered both immediate operational assurance and long-term value to the client. 

The Feedback 

“Altrad supplied suitably qualified teams and equipment to man the barge campaign shortly after being awarded the contract.  

They reacted well to requests for additional personal, extensions to the duration of the campaign and changes to the plan at very short notice.” 

Lead Inspection Engineer, Ithaca Energy