During the 1990’s there was an increase in the number of offshore development projects which concentrated on capturing gas reserves in particular from smaller marginal fields. Such fields could be exploited by installing minimal facilities at a wellsite and connecting those facilities to larger existing production platforms for processing and export. This trend created a demand for small bore pipelines which could be laid between offshore facilities by reeling pipe from a ship mounted drum. Recognising this growing market McDermott took the opportunity to establish a pipeline manufacturing and spooling facility (Spool Base) at the Ardersier site.
The Spool Base was established at west side of the yard, close to exit of channel and the inner Moray Firth. This was a featureless undeveloped part of the yard, known as the “Gobi Desert” to those on the site, used mainly for storing old offshore equipment. In a 6-month period from the latter part of 1994 to first contract in April 1995 a pipe reeling facility was constructed. The McDermott ship Norlift was fitted out from clear deck to a fully operational pipe-lay vessel at Ardersier, including the fabrication and installation of component parts. Specialist line pipe welders were trained to join 12 m sections into lengths up to 510 m, which were stored on the inland side of the shops. The pipe was then drawn back towards the quay, welded into continuous lengths and coiled directly on to the vessel mounted spool or spare land-based spool. On the vessel return the empty reel is offloaded and full reel lifted on, minimising turn-round time.