POSH Xanadu, one of our two Semi-Submersible Accommodation Vessels ("SSAV"), recently commenced a project in the US Gulf of Mexico for an international oil major. Despite being put on an accelerated timeline, POSH Xanadu arrived on site ahead of schedule.
The 750-pax SSAV has maintained uptime amid challenging operating conditions. One of the most recent examples happened in March 2018 when POSH Xanadu was caught in both the Loop Current and Eddy Current. The interaction between the two currents resulted in sharp changes in current speed and direction, making it challenging for any vessel to maintain its position. At the height of this interaction, wave currents hit 2.3 knots, equivalent to 4.3km/h. Yet, with our experienced team at the helm, the state-of-the-art POSH Xanadu driven by nine powerful thrusters managed to maintain her gangway connection and achieve excellent station-keeping.
With our strong technical capability and relentless focus on operational excellence, we continue to challenge ourselves and expand our global footprint to provide our clients with the best service standards.
Loop Current is a horseshoe-shaped feature that flows clockwise, transferring warm ocean currents from the Caribbean Sea through the Yucatan Straits into the Gulf of Mexico. It can reach a maximum flow speed of 6.5km/h.
Eddy Current is the circular motion of water on the surface usually caused by the flow around an obstacle. It can range between 10 and 500 kilometres in diameter and may persist for months. Due to the vigorous circulation associated with them, these currents are known to affect tidal conditions out at sea.
