Navigational aids specialist Pharos Marine Sims Systems has completed the design, manufacture and installation of a bespoke solar navigation aid system for Shell's Brent Delta platform in the North Sea.
The Great Yarmouth-based firm completed the project in just eight weeks as part of the decommissioning process of Brent Delta, one of four platforms on the Brent field, which is currently being decommissioned.
Pharos produced and installed a customized solar-generated system of lanterns and radar warning system to lighthouse the platform.
The team worked closely with Shell to interpret regulations that govern the marking of offshore structures during decommissioning.
Systems must meet DECC regulations including, marking requirements, battery autonomy, solar and wind calculations, availability criteria laid out by the light house board of aids to navigation to determine reliability in order to determine MTBF (mean time between failure).
The Brent Delta navigation aid (AtoN) system comprises of two 10nm marine lanterns – with two more as secondary back-ups - were installed on two of the platform’s opposite corners giving 360-degree white light visibility.
A Racon system- a radar beacon that transmits on X and S band to alert vessels of the structure - and aviation obstruction lights were installed on top of the two flare stacks on the platform.
The AC inverter system will allow visiting maintenance workers on the Delta to have AC power.
