Solar power system proves major boost for Dabbrook
Electrical engineering company Dabbrook has completed a $1.25m deal to supply a solar power system for a new offshore oil platform in the Gulf of Suez.
It is the biggest single contract in a 30-plus year history for the Great Yarmouth-based company. And it believes that this deal will lead to many more similar projects around the world.
The project incorporates more than 200 square metres of solar panels, creating a 36KW photovoltaic array, to be installed between the helideck and lower deck of the Hilal B platform off Egypt.
Cairo-based Enppi is building the new platform for owners GUPCO (Gulf of Suez Petroleum Company) in Alexandria and contracted Dabbrook for the concept, design, engineering and build of the modular solar power system. It includes six substantial battery banks together with a main DC charging and distribution panel and an AC panel consisting of inverters and motor starters.
“It’s a prestigious order for us and was won against stiff competition over 18 months of talks,” said Dabbrook director and founder Stuart Smith.
“There are many environmental and cost benefits to the solar system and no need to transport fuel, as with more traditional rigs using diesel-powered generators,” said Mr Smith.
“We are specialists in concept-to-build projects, constructed on our own site and based on 30 years offshore experience around the world in the petro-chemical industry.”
The Hilal project cargo is being shipped to Egypt later this month where Dabbrook will assist with the commissioning.
In a separate deal, Dabbrook’s parent company Tideland has won the contract to supply navigation lights – built by Dabbrook – also for the Hilal B platform.