Background:
In 2023, Helidragon, a leading aerial filming company, was commissioned to document the arrival of the Audrey A & B and Ensign Topsides and Jackets at The Port of Blyth for Thompsons of Prudhoe. The decommissioning project aimed to dismantle and recycle these offshore structures and Helidragon was tasked with capturing this significant event for documentation and promotional purposes. Here is the case study of filming the arrival of Audrey A & B at The Port of Blyth.
Client Overview:
The client for this project included The Port of Blyth, a first class port handling service with particular expertise across the offshore energy/renewables and decommissioning and Thompsons of Prudhoe, a specialist in decommissioning and recycling, along with the consortium involved in the Audrey A & B and Ensign decommissioning project.
Objectives:
1. Comprehensive Documentation: Capture the entire process of the arrival and offloading of Audrey A & B and Ensign Topsides and Jackets at The Port of Blyth to their final placement at the Thompsons of Prudhoe decommissioning site.
2. Promotional Material: Create a visually compelling video that not only documents the decommissioning process but also serves as promotional material for the capabilities and expertise of The Port of Blyth and Thompsons of Prudhoe in handling large-scale decommissioning projects.
3. Safety and Environmental Emphasis: Highlight the adherence to safety and environmental standards throughout the decommissioning process.
Challenges:
1. Limited Access: The arrival and offloading process would occur in a restricted area of The Port of Blyth, requiring careful coordination with port authorities and adherence to safety protocols.
2. Variable Weather Conditions: The unpredictable North Sea weather presented challenges for aerial filming, with potential wind and rain affecting the ability to capture high-quality footage.
3. Dynamic Movement of Structures: Coordinating the filming of the precise and dynamic movements involved in offloading and placing the topsides and jackets onto the decommissioning site required careful planning.
Solution:
1. Advanced Drone Technology: Helidragon utilised advanced drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and stabilising technology to capture intricate details of the arrival process because drones provided flexibility and agility in navigating the restricted Port area.
2. Real-time Coordination: The aerial team established real-time communication channels with port authorities, crane operators, and on-site personnel to ensure a smooth and safe filming process. This allowed for quick adjustments in the filming plan based on the progress of the arrival, offloading and transfer to decommissioning site operation.
3. Safety and Compliance Measures: Helidragon worked closely with the Terminal Manager of Battleship Wharf at The Port of Blyth and Thompsons of Prudhoe to implement strict safety measures, including pre-flight safety briefings, emergency response plans, and compliance with port regulations. The filming team prioritised safety without compromising the quality of the footage.
4. Post-Production Expertise: Helidragon’s post-production team skilfully edited the footage to create a cohesive and engaging narrative. Consequently the final video not only met the clients objectives but also served as a promotional tool effectively communicating the industries dedication to safety. environmental responsibility and technological advancement in decommissioning.
Outcome:
The video produced by Helidragon effectively captured the arrival of Audrey A & B and Ensign Topsides and Jackets, showcasing the precision and expertise involved in the arrival, offloading and transfer process. The documentary served as a valuable promotional tool for The Port of Blyth and Thompsons of Prudhoe, emphasising their capabilities in handling complex decommissioning projects. The project demonstrated the successful collaboration between Helidragon, The Port of Blyth, Thompsons of Prudhoe, and other Stakeholders.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Helidragon’s successful filming of the Audrey A & B Ensign arrival at The Port of Blyth exemplifies their ability to overcome challenges in documenting complex decommissioning operations. The resulting video not only met the client’s objectives but also contributed to promoting the industry’s commitment to safety, environmental responsibility, and the advancement of decommissioning technologies.
End of case study of filming of the arrival of Audrey A & B to The Port of Blyth.