Dirk's Work Thread.

[dirk diggler]

Thanks Man.

The testing we are doing here is one of many services within our division of the company but it is our only work scope on this project.

The Koreans can do pretty much everything quite regimentally but there's things they can't be trusted to do by their clients and testing their own work is one of them. For obvious reasons.

Sometimes they like to blame us for failed tests but we just laugh. If a test fails our job is successful. They always try to blame us one way or another but they're pissing into the wind.

I have no Idea what your job is so no tips I'm afraid. Asia is a hard nut to crack from where I'm standing. I was meant to be with another company rotating to Angola but I was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time when my Korea gig came up.

Good luck to you, maybe you could get a job at The Hobbit House.

[Bilbobaggins]

haha! I'd take a job in Mordor right now, the UK is dire.

I have worked as a pipefitter and supervisory roles in that field, including testing.

Just seem to bang my head against a brick wall every time I try to get a job abroad.

[baldrick]

the have just floated the Prelude - largest ship ever floated

[dirk diggler]

This thing is truly amazing.

We have contracts to work on it and I'm not looking forward to it to be honest.

A return to Geoje will be welcome though!

More info here - Record-breaking gas ship launched, bigger one planned | Reuters

[GuttaPercha]

Another article on the amazing "Prelude", world's largest ship.

World's largest ship floated for the first time

Be sure to watch the video!

Thanks for telling us about it Dirk.

[dirk diggler]

You can thank Baldrick.

I shall simply point out that, technically, it's not a ship.

The projects here really are massive. Samsung are also in the process of building the Itchthys Project, the world's largest semi-submersible rig ever built.



It's is also the world's #3 most expensive energy project. Gorgon Project is #2 (also headed for Australia and being built here in Ulsan by Hyundai) and a Khazakstan Project is top of the list.

The Prelude doesn't make the top 10, which is a good thing as far as Shell will be concerned.

60% if the list is for Australia alone.

Top 10 - World's 10 most expensive energy projects - #10 - Three Gorges Dam - $28 billion (1) - CNNMoney

[baldrick]

I shall simply point out that, technically, it's not a ship.

it will have thrusters so technically it would be able to move under its own power .

I was involved with a semi sub built in jurong yards singapore and under the pontoons on each corner were 2 electric thrusters powered by VFDs that could rotate 360 degrees. ( normally used to keep the semi-sub in position when drilling )

under sea trials when 8 of them were lined up to push the rig forward and we had overhauled the heat exchangers that cooled the VFD SCRs ( wire brushed the plates free of barnacles - 26 hour straight job ) we managed to achieve 13 knots

[dirk diggler]

Would they eliminate the need for anchors?

[dirk diggler]

I've been invited to a Korean wedding on Sunday.

Anyone know what I should be expecting? Should bring a gift or money.

Miss Traveller, help me out here?

[MissTraveller]

^Umm, most people give money at Korean weddings fyi. Any other questions just ask.

the have just floated the Prelude - largest ship ever floated

Wow, that's amazing!

[MissTraveller]

A return to Geoje will be welcome though!

that island is great!

[dirk diggler]

What's the general agenda?

Service? Meal? Party? punch-ups?

My invitation is all in Korean.

[MissTraveller]

What's the general agenda?

Service? Meal? Party? punch-ups?

Usually weddings are at a private hall and then sometimes dinner afterwards either at a restaurant or at the hall itself as a buffet. I've only been to two Korean weddings and that's how I know. A few different things you'll see - the bride and groom bow to both sides of parents. Bows as in almost kissing the floor.
I hope you know how to use Korean chopsticks by now..silver and flat.

[baldrick]

Would they eliminate the need for anchors?

yes - though anchor systems were integrated for work in shallower water

for normal deep water work the rig would pump in the water to take the pontoons down 20 meters for stability and then the 8 thrusters would be controlled from the 3 GPS sensors to maintain position.

[dirk diggler]

Are we talking about Dynamic Positioning (DP) here or is that a different kettle of fish altogether?

[baldrick]

yes - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynamic_positioning

[dirk diggler]

What's the general agenda?

Service? Meal? Party? punch-ups?

Usually weddings are at a private hall and then sometimes dinner afterwards either at a restaurant or at the hall itself as a buffet. I've only been to two Korean weddings and that's how I know. A few different things you'll see - the bride and groom bow to both sides of parents. Bows as in almost kissing the floor.
I hope you know how to use Korean chopsticks by now..silver and flat.

Cheers Miss T.

Those flat silver numbers are a bit unnecessary in all fairness but it's not a problem for me. I'll just stab the kimchi as though I were addressing the haggis.

[dirk diggler]

I had an awesome month off but now I'm back in Korea and it's bloody freezing.

Good news is There's not much going on this month and everyone's on day shift so will get a few more pics in the light. I took a couple of crap pics from the plane too, of the shipyard.

I'm not online much on my time off so Hope you all had some good festivities and wishing you a prosperous new year and all that bumf.

Dirk.

[dirk diggler]

Every day, as we approach the gates of the HHI Shipyard we are greeted by the security guard who will give us a compulsory salute.

I'm not sure what is the correct etiquette for a South Korean salute, with the British being 'longest way up, shortest way down' or the 'American flick' but as he stands there saluting about 20 times per minute I often wonder if he has perfected his salute to championship level or whether it gets completely sloppy to the likes of having to sign your name 20 times in a row.

[beerlaodrinker]

The Lao guards come equipped with a whisltle, which they take great delight in blowing in your ear, after giving you a snappy salute. In Laos if your a guard without a whistle no one takes you seriously, poor fockers

[dirk diggler]

Parking attendants with whistles...

Room 101 for those annoying bastards.

[BaitongBoy]

^There is a famous dancing parking attendant in Pohang City...I think he's near a Lotte complex...

Fooking great to watch him...It's been on Google or Youtube, i believe...

[dirk diggler]

I found one of each gender:

[kmart]

^^ Hawt!!

[dirk diggler]

So, since I last posted on this thread I have, in order:

Got Married



Became a father (16 months old now)



Spent a year working on the above mentioned Shell Prelude



Got a mortgage, bought a new house and got the first mortgage payment in before i was...



Made redundant in December- 3 month holiday/party



Been asked back as a contractor.


So without rotation I'm back once again in South Korea on what is looking like a 3 month project. I'm pretty chuffed about this as I only really took the staff job to help justify my mortgage and I got that now. May my next project be far far away from here. Theres a massive project coming up though so I doubt it.