singapore engineer singapore engineer singapore engineer

The Magazine Of 

The Institution Of Engineers, Singapore 

OCTOBER 2012 MICA (P) 069/02/2012 

THE 

www.ies.org.sg 

SINGAPORE ENGINEER 

COVER STORY: 

MARINE & OFFSHORE ENGINEERING 

ST Marine develops multi-purpose fire boat 

FEATURES: 

Marine & Offshore Engineering • Civil & Structural Engineering • Project Application

CONTENTS 

FEATURES 

12 MARINE & OFFSHORE ENGINEERING: Cover Story: 


The vessel can be deployed for fire-fighting as well as search and rescue work. 

14 MARINE & OFFSHORE ENGINEERING: 

Sembcorp Marine offers full spectrum of integrated solutions 

The company’s capabilities have enabled it to gain international recognition. 


Wide-ranging benefits offered by BIM software 

Building Information Modelling is proving to be valuable in the engineering of structures. 


Lloyd’s Register and A*STAR to jointly promote innovation 

in the energy and marine sectors 

The collaboration will drive R&D activities and the development of technical solutions. 


Heave and VIM suppressed ‘HVS’ semi-submersible design 

for Southeast Asian environments 

Concepts for building oil platforms appropriate for the conditions in this 

region are presented. 

26 CIVIL & STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING: 

ITE College Central 

The third regional campus and headquarters of the educational institution features 

innovative and yet cost-effective design solutions. 

32 PROJECT APPLICATION: 

Floating on glass 

Important contributions were made in the installation of architectural finishes in the 

museum that houses the restored Cutty Sark clipper ship. 


Two Liebherr Flat-Top cranes building 85-storey skyscraper 

in Mumbai 

The machines are working in an unusual configuration to suit the project. 


Grove cranes building US$ 800 million plant in the Philippines 

The complicated project demands high safety standards and on-time completion. 

REGULAR SECTIONS 

02 IES UPDATE 

38 PRODUCTS & SOLUTIONS 

39 EVENTS 

42 NEWS 

Chief Editor 

T Bhaskaran 

t_b_n8@yahoo.com 

Director, Marketing 

Roland Ang 

roland@iesnet.org.sg 

Marketing & Publications Executive 

Jeremy Chia 

jeremy@iesnet.org.sg 

CEO 

Angie Ng 

angie@iesnet.org.sg 

Publications Manager 

Desmond Teo 

desmond@iesnet.org.sg 

Published by 

The Institution Of Engineers, Singapore 

70 Bukit Tinggi Road 

Singapore 289758 

Tel: 6469 5000 Fax: 6467 1108 

Cover designed by Irin Kuah 

Image of boat by ST Marine 

The Singapore Engineer is published 

monthly by The Institution of Engineers, 

Singapore (IES). The publication is 

distributed free-of-charge to IES members 

and affiliates. Views expressed in this 

publication do not necessarily reflect those 

of the Editor or IES. All rights reserved. No 

part of this magazine shall be reproduced, 

mechanically or electronically, without the 

prior consent of IES. Whilst every care is 

taken to ensure accuracy of the content 

at press time, IES will not be liable for any 

discrepancies. Unsolicited contributions 

are welcome but their inclusion in the 

magazine is at the discretion of the Editor. 

Design & layout by 2EZ Asia Pte Ltd 

Printed by Print & Print Pte Ltd. 

October 2012 THE SINGAPORE ENGINEER 

01

IES UPDATE 

Message from the President 

The marine & offshore sector plays an important role 

in the economic development of the world. Most of the 

trade across the world is facilitated by ships. And to meet 

the increasing demand for oil and gas, due to the rapid 

progress of countries and rising living standards, drilling 

operations are being conducted deeper into the seabed. 

In Singapore, too, the marine & offshore industries 

contribute substantially to the country’s economic 

growth. The country has become a world leader in ship 

repair and ship conversion, as well as in the construction 

of jack-up rigs and the conversion of tankers to FPSO (Floating Production Storage and 

Offloading) units. It is also involved in the construction of specialised vessels. 

Safety, security and environmental performance are major challenges in the marine & 

offshore sector. Accidents and incidents have been widely publicised - from the sinking of the 

Titanic exactly 100 years ago, to the BP oil spill in 2010 and the partial sinking of the cruise 

ship Costa Concordia in January this year as well as the several instances of piracy on the 

high seas. 

Under the leadership of the International Maritime Organization, and with the participation 

of all the stakeholders, measures are being taken to address these issues. 

In the area of environmental performance, for example, new regulations are expected to 

come into effect at the beginning of next year, that will require new ships to be designed such 

that they are more energy-efficient. 

On its part, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore is investing up to S$ 100 million, 

over five years, in the Maritime Singapore Green Initiative which seeks to promote clean and 

green shipping. 

Meanwhile, IES celebrated its 46th anniversary on 28 September 2012, at its Annual Dinner, 

held at Resorts World Sentosa. Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Teo Chee Hean, Coordinating 

Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs was the Guest-of-Honour. 

At the dinner, DPM Teo announced the launch of the IES Aerospace Engineering Chapter to 

support and strengthen Singapore’s position as the regional aerospace hub. The chapter will 

raise the profile of local aerospace engineers and help them achieve higher standing globally, 

as well as encourage students to aspire to become aerospace engineers. This new chapter 

will also develop critical mass to support professional development upgrading programmes. 

From 7 to 13 September 2013, IES will be hosting the inaugural World Engineers’ Summit 

(WES) which will be held in conjunction with the World Federation of Engineering 

Organizations (WFEO) General Assembly 2013. Addressing the theme ‘Innovative and 

Sustainable Solutions to Climate Change’, WES is expected to attract more than 2000 

delegates including engineers from multiple disciplines, financiers, property developers, urban 

planning specialists, legal advisors, energy specialists, researchers and others. 

Co-located with WES will be Build Eco Xpo Asia 2013 (BEX Asia 2013), an exhibition on 

sustainable solutions for the building sector. 

The events will be held at the Sands Expo and Convention Center, Marina Bay Sands, 

Singapore. 

Prof Chou Siaw Kiang 

President 

The Institution of Engineers, Singapore (IES) 

IES COUNCIL MEMBERS 

2012/2013 

President 

Prof Chou Siaw Kiang 

Vice Presidents 

Er. Chong Kee Sen 

Er. Edwin Khew 

Dr Kwok Wai Onn, Richard 

Mr Neo Kok Beng 

Er. Ong Geok Soo 

Er. Ong See Ho 

Honorary Secretary 

Dr Boh Jaw Woei 

Honorary Treasurer 

Mr Kang Choon Seng 

Assistant Honorary Secretary 

Er. Koh Beng Thong 

Assistant Honorary Treasurer 

Er. Seow Kang Seng 

Immediate Past President 

Er. Ho Siong Hin 

Past Presidents 

Er. Dr Lee Bee Wah 

Er. Tan Seng Chuan 

Honorary Council Member 

Er. Ong Ser Huan 

Council Members 

Prof Chau Fook Siong 

Er. Dr Chew Soon Hoe 

Ms Fam Meiling 

Er. Dr Ho Kwong Meng 

Dr Ho Teck Tuak 

Mr Lee Kwok Weng 

Mr Lim Horng Leong 

Mr Ng Sing Chan 

Mr Oh Boon Chye, Jason 

Er. Tan Shu Min, Emily 

Mr Tan Boon Leng, Mark 

Er. Toh Siaw Hui, Joseph 

Er. Wong Fee Min, Alfred 

Dr Zhou Yi 

02 THE SINGAPORE ENGINEER October 2012


03

IES UPDATE 

IES celebrates 46th anniversary with 

new initiatives 

IES celebrated its 46th anniversary on 28 September 2012 at 

the IES Annual Dinner held at the Compass West Ballroom, 

Resorts World Sentosa, with some of the industry’s most eminent 

engineers and IES members in attendance. Deputy Prime Minister 

(DPM) Teo Chee Hean, Coordinating Minister for National 

Security and Minister for Home Affairs, was the Guest-of-Honour. 

At the dinner, DPM Teo announced the launch of the IES 

Aerospace Engineering Chapter by IES to support and 

strengthen Singapore’s position as the regional aerospace hub. 

The chapter will raise the profile of local aerospace engineers 

and help them achieve higher standing globally, and encourage 

students to aspire to become aerospace engineers in the future. 

This new Chapter will also develop critical mass to support 

professional development upgrading programmes. 

In addition, DPM Teo announced the launch of the IES Technology 

Entrepreneurship Ecosystem. This will come complete with 

technology sources, funding, mentorship, incubation facilities 

and networking opportunities, to encourage more engineers to 

start technology enterprises, building upon their expertise and 

innovations. 

“IES has marked the past 46 years with significant achievements 

that have contributed to the advancement of engineering in 

Singapore. As we celebrate yet another anniversary, we are not 

resting on our laurels but have introduced initiatives that will 

create major positive impact to the engineering community. 

We are confident that the new IES Aerospace Engineering 

Chapter and the Technology Entrepreneurship Ecosystem are 

highly relevant and beneficial to both the industry and the 

individual, and will buttress the ability of engineers to transform 

our economy and our lives,” said Prof Chou Siaw Kiang, 

President of IES. 

The launch of the ‘Certified Engineer’ programme was also 

announced, targeting engineers who are in fields that do not 

warrant a need for them to be registered as Professional Engineers. 

“The ‘Certified Engineer’ title will be a quality mark earned by 

engineers of diverse engineering disciplines and will be an official 

endorsement of their experience, expertise and practising 

competence, and an accreditation of the individual’s professional 

standing. IES hopes to work with all engineers to establish this 

new title as society’s recognition of an engineer’s professional 

expertise and experience across the sectors of our economy,” 

said Prof Chou. 

Prof Chou also shared with the dinner attendees that IES will 

be hosting the World Federation of Engineering Organisations 

(WFEO) General Assembly in 2013. In conjunction with the 

General Assembly, IES will be organising the inaugural World 

Engineers’ Summit (WES) 2013 which will be held in Singapore 

every two years. 

Focusing on the theme ‘Innovative and Sustainable Solutions to 

Climate Change’, WES 2013 will gather more than 2000 engineers 

globally from multiple disciplines of engineering, financiers, policy 

makers, small and medium enterprises, legal advisors, scientists, 

researchers, MNCs and institutions to congregate, discuss and 

exchange ideas on climate change issues. 

A key highlight of the IES Annual Dinner was the presentation 

of certificates to the 74 elected Fellows of the Singapore 

Academy of Engineering (SAEng) by DPM Teo, a patron of the 

group. The presentation highlighted the thought leadership roles 

that this esteemed group will play in Singapore’s quest to meet 

the challenges of the new millennium and to build a vibrant 

engineering community in Singapore by leveraging on the rich 

experience and expertise of the group’s members. 

In line with its objectives to encourage brilliant young minds to 

pursue engineering as a lifelong career, IES also presented the 

IES Gold Medal to 17 top engineering students who are ranked 

first in general proficiency throughout their course of study from 

the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological 

University (NTU); and the IES-Yayasan Mendaki Scholarship. 

IES Gold Medal Recipients: 

National University of Singapore (NUS) 

Li Minghui Samuel (Bachelor of Engineering - Electrical Engineering) 

Moh Weixian, Wilson (Bachelor of Technology - Chemical Engineering) 

Wang Yingting (Bachelor of Engineering - Bioengineering) 

Anne Marie Tan Zhao Hui (Bachelor of Engineering - Materials 

Science & Engineering) 

Chee Nan Wei (Xu Nanwei), Victor (Bachelor of Technology - 

Electronics Engineering) 

Gan Jie (Bachelor of Engineering - Environmental Engineering) 

Hu Xiang (Bachelor of Engineering - Industrial & System Engineering) 

Huang Xiasha (Bachelor of Engineering - Civil Engineering) 

Li Jiashu (Bachelor of Engineering - Computer Engineering) 

Ooi Hee Siong (Bachelor of Technology - Mechanical Engineering) 

Pang Tao (Bachelor of Engineering - Mechanical Engineering) 

Tan Hui Ling (Bachelor of Engineering - Chemical Engineering) 

Wong Tse Jian (Bachelor of Engineering - EngineerIng Science) 

Nanyang Technological University (NTU) 

Jong Ming Chuan (Civil & Environmental Engineering) 

Lu Xiaowei (Electrical & Electronic Engineering) 

Ng Lee Ping (Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering) 

Neetika Bansal (Computer Engineering) 

IES-Yayasan Mendaki Scholarship Recipients: 

Nadia Bte Sulaiman (Diploma in Green Building and Sustainability, 

Temasek Polytechnic) 

Abdul Hanif Bin Zaini (Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering, NTU) 



05

IES UPDATE 

Pictures from IES 46th Annual Dinner 


IES UPDATE 


07

IES UPDATE 

Er. Ong See Ho receives NUS Distinguished 

Engineering Alumni Award 

Er. Ong and attendees of the NUS Engineering Alumni Gala Dinner representing IES take a group photo on stage. 

IES Vice President, Er. Ong See Ho, has been awarded the 

prestigious NUS Distinguished Engineering Alumni Award 

for his outstanding contributions to the profession and the 

engineering community. 

Er. Ong has been an IES member since 1978 and became 

an IES Fellow in 2003. He has been a Council member since 

2007. He is currently the Deputy CEO (Building Control) 

of the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and 

the Commissioner of Building Control. He is also a Board 

member of the Professional Engineers Board (PEB) and the 

Board of Architects Singapore. 

The Distinguished Engineering Alumni Awards were 

instituted in 1989 and conferred on engineering alumni who 

have distinguished themselves nationally or internationally by 

their excellent and sustained contributions and achievements 

in public and community service, entrepreneurship, or in a 

profession or scholarly field. 

Our congratulations to Er. Ong for this distinguished honour! 

Er. Ong (left) receives the NUS Distinguished Engineering Alumni Award from 

Professor Chan Eng Soon, Dean, Faculty of Engineering, NUS. 



09

IES UPDATE 

Inaugural World Engineers’ Summit 

(WES 2013) to take place in Singapore 

The Institution of Engineers, Singapore (IES) announced that 

Singapore will host the inaugural World Engineers’ Summit 

(WES) from 7 to 13 September 2013, in conjunction with 

the World Federation of Engineering Organisations (WFEO) 

General Assembly 2013, at Sands Expo and Convention Centre, 

Marina Bay Sands, with IES as the organiser. 

Focusing on the theme ‘Innovative and Sustainable Solutions to 

Climate Change’, WES 2013 will gather more than 2000 engineers 

from multiple disciplines, financiers, property developers, urban 

planning specialists, legal advisors, energy specialists, researchers 

and institutions to congregate and exchange ideas on climate 

change issues threatening the earth. 

An integral segment of WES 2013 will be the Sustainability 

Leadership Forum, scheduled to take place on 11 September 

2013. This Forum will provide participants with a valuable 

opportunity to listen to the perceptions and observations of a 

panel of thought leaders on a range of sustainability and climate 

change issues. The event will feature prominent international 

sustainability experts as speakers. 

“In the face of increasingly pressing issues resulting from climate 

change, the world needs viable and sustainable solutions 

to address the fall-out. Engineers are well-positioned to be 

thought leaders and the deliverers of insightful, sustainable and 

technology-led solutions to benefit mankind. As the national 

society of engineers, IES is creating WES 2013 as the platform 

to gather expert viewpoints and to facilitate the surfacing of 

solutions,” said Er. Tan Seng Chuan, Chairman, WES 2013 Steering 

Committee, and Vice President, WFEO. 

Kick-off Event: “National Climate Change Strategy 

2012” Talk 

To create focus on WES 2013, IES presented the first lead-up 

event on 7 September 2012, at the Matrix Auditorium, Biopolis, 

from 6 pm to 9 pm. The speaker, Mr Yuen Sai Kuan, Director, 

3P Network, National Climate Change Secretariat (NCCS), 

explained the key elements of the National Climate Change 

Strategy 2012 (NCCS-2012) unveiled by Deputy Prime Minister 

Teo Chee Hean in June 2012. The NCCS-2012 will outline 

Singapore’s strategy and plans to address climate change and 

will be entitled ‘Climate Change and Singapore: Challenges. 

Opportunities. Partnerships.’ 

“The NCCS-2012 describes how Singapore is addressing 

climate change by reducing carbon emissions, building 

capabilities to adapt to the impact of climate change, harnessing 

green growth opportunities and forging partnerships on 

climate change action. To tackle the challenges of climate 

change effectively, we require support and participation from 

all stakeholders. In this regard, NCCS is pleased to work with 

the IES through the WES 2013 and related forums to engage 

the engineering community,” said Mr Yuen. 

10 THE SINGAPORE ENGINEER October 2012 

Co-locating with WES 2013 is Build Eco Xpo (BEX) Asia 2013, 

an exhibition that addresses sustainable and green solutions for 

the building sector. Together, the two events aim to encourage 

discussion on environmentally friendly solutions. 

Information on WES 2013 is available at www.WES2013.org 

IES President, Prof Chou Siaw Kiang, makes the announcement on WES2013. 

Er. Tan Seng Chuan talks about innovative and sustainable solutions to 

climate change.


11

COVER STORY 


by Dr Nigel Koh, Manager, Initial Design Group, ST Marine Ltd 

Customers will be able to increase their capabilities in fire-fighting as well as search and 

rescue operations. 

As reported by the US Fire Administration in its special technical 

report (2003) titled ‘Fireboats: Then and Now’, many fire 

departments are transitioning from larger traditional fireboats to 

smaller, faster and more versatile craft designed and configured 

for multiple operational roles. 

In the report, the US Fire Administration clearly defines three 

basic functions of the multi-purpose fireboats, as follows: 

• They serve as vehicles for conducting rescue operations and 

transporting personnel and equipment to and from incidents 

that are inaccessible from shore for land-based fire-fighters. 

• They provide a stable platform for conducting and supporting 

marine fire-fighting operations. Fireboats serve as forward 

operational command posts for marine and some land-based 

fire operations, rescue and recovery missions, and marine 

environmental emergencies. 

• They play a critical role in the supply of water for many kinds 

of land-based fire operations and during natural and manmade 

disasters. 

In early 2011, ST Marine began in-house development of multipurpose 

fireboats to provide potential customers with solutions 

to enhance their fire-fighting capabilities. Primarily, there are 

three areas - fire-fighting (Fi-Fi) for merchant and passenger 

vessels, fire-fighting in coastal regions and refineries, and search 

and rescue missions in case of marine disasters and oil spills. 

ST Marine’s fireboat is designed to measure 42 m in length, 

with a 10 m beam and a 3 m draft. It has a semi-displacement 

hard chine steel monohull and aluminium superstructure. 

With a response speed of over 18 knots, achieved through a 

quadruple-screw, controllable pitch propeller system, it will be 

driven by four MTU 12 V 4000 M70 main engines, each rated 

1671 kW at 2,000 rpm. The main engines are also directly 

coupled to drive the four main fire pumps through their Power- 

Take-Offs (PTOs) on the front end. Station-keeping of the vessel 

The fireboat has a semi-displacement hard chine steel monohull and 

aluminium superstructure. 

The multi-purpose fireboat, with Fi-Fi III capability, has been developed in-house by ST Marine. 


COVER STORY 

during fire-fighting is enhanced by the incorporation of electric 

motors which are powered by auxiliary generators, driving the 

controllable pitch propellers and a bow thruster. 

The designed fire-fighting equipment meets the Fi-Fi III 

requirement with the vessel built for continuous fighting of 

large fires from a safe distance and for the cooling of structures 

on fire. The total pumping capacity is in excess of 9600 m 3 /hr 

and, with three fixed water monitors in use, the fireboat has 

sufficient fuel oil for continuous fire fighting operations for a at 

least 96 hours. The capacity of each monitor is 3200 m 3 /hr with 

the length of throw at 180 m and height of throw at 110 m. 

The vessel is also protected by a permanently installed waterspraying 

system. 

The wheelhouse is specially designed with 360º all-round 

visibility and a skylight fitted on top so that Fi-Fi in action can 

be closely monitored from within the wheelhouse. The vessel 

will be equipped with modern radio communication systems 

and visual systems. The centralised operation of the fireboat, 

is designed to be equipped with visual aids, such as remote 

operated cameras to control and focus the water and foam to 

extinguish any raging fire. 

A fan room with high performance fans and a special air filtration 

system is fitted within the vessel, to enable it to respond to 

any CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) 

accident. The fireboat is also equipped with first aid facilities and 

decontamination capabilities including a multi-head shower, to 

provide first aid to injured personnel and decontaminate crew/ 

casualties, respectively. Fully equipped as a marine ambulance to 

provide a primary treatment area for any casualties, the triage 

room includes a transport room with comfortable seating 

area for treated casualties. Finally, the fire equipment room is 

outfitted to store hoses, fittings and rescue equipment which 

can be accessed through a roller shutter door. 

Outfitted to house up to 10 crew, 50 fire-fighters and 50 

evacuees, the crew accommodation consists of a resting area, 

pantry, mess room and washroom, thoughtfully incorporated into 

the design, to cope with the likelihood of extended operations. 

On the fireboat is a crane fitted with a telescoping ladder for 

facilitating a high-level water stream, personnel transfer, and 

embarkation and disembarkation for different ship types. The 

fast rescue boat can be deployed rapidly for Fi-Fi and rescue 

missions in restricted and shallow waters. Furthermore, the 

vessel has provided for a fire hydrant manifold arranged on the 

port side and another on the starboard side, each with eight 

hose connections to supply water to shore. To mitigate fires and 

environmental emergencies, such as oil spills and the release 

of other hazardous substances into ports and waterways, the 

vessel is also designed to be equipped with containment booms, 

foam, skimmers, absorbents, and other equipment. 

All images by ST Marine. 

The fast rescue boat can be rapidly deployed for Fi-Fi and rescue missions in 

restricted and shallow waters. 

Arrangement of the fire-fighting and life-saving equipment on deck. 


13


Sembcorp Marine offers full spectrum of 

integrated solutions 

The company specialises in ship repair, shipbuilding, ship conversion, rig building and 

offshore engineering & construction. 

Internationally renowned for its rig building and offshore 

conversion expertise, Sembcorp Marine has established strong 

capabilities in the design of rigs and drillships as well as a proven 

track record in the fast-track turnkey construction of semisubmersibles 

and jack-ups, the engineering and construction of 

offshore platforms, and the conversion of floating production 

and storage facilities. 

Offering a complete suite of turnkey services to serve the offshore 

oil and gas industry, the company’s specialised capabilities range 

from the engineering, procurement and construction of offshore 

production platforms and floating production systems, to the 

fabrication, integration, pre-commissioning, as well as offshore 

hook-up and commissioning of topside process modules and 

production modules for fixed platforms and mega floating 

production, storage and offloading units (FPSOs). 

Sembcorp Marine is also recognised as an industry leader in ship 

repair and a niche player in the design and newbuilding of a wide 

variety of vessels, from 2,600 TEU containerships, bulk carriers 

and cable-laying vessels to ice-breaking tugs. 

With operations in Singapore and overseas, the company has 

one of the largest marine and offshore engineering facilities in the 

region. By leveraging on complementary facilities and capabilities, 

the company’s shipyards work in synergy to provide customers 

a full range of integrated, customised solutions - ranging from 

conceptualisation and design, engineering, procurement and 

construction, through to commissioning and delivery. 

CORE CAPABILITIES 

Ship repair 

Sembcorp Marine has expertise to provide a full range of ship 

repair services to tankers of varying sizes ranging from midsized 

tankers to Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) and Ultra 

Large Crude Carriers (ULCCs). The group also repairs a wide 

variety of vessels including chemical tankers, container vessels, 

passenger ships, gas carriers (LNG and LPG), dredgers, bulk 

carriers, derrick barges and navy vessels. 

Shipbuilding 

The group also designs and constructs product tankers of about 

11,500 dwt and 1,078 TEU to 2,600 TEU container carriers. 

Other projects include building dynamic positioning heavy lift 

pipelaying vessels, fallpipe rock dumping vessels, tankers of about 

90,000 dwt, ocean-going tugs, ice-class chemical tankers, multipurpose 

cargo vessels, ro-ro vessels, bulk carriers and cable 

laying and repair vessels. 

Ship and offshore conversions 

Offshore conversions 

Sembcorp Marine’s offshore conversion track record includes 

the conversion of floating production storage and offloading 

(FPSO) vessels, floating storage and offloading (FSO) units, 

floating drilling production storage and offloading (FDPSO) 

vessels, floating storage and regasification units (FSRU), as 

well as the conversion of dynamic positioning pipe-laying and 

construction barges. 

Chevron Shipping Company’s Capricorn Voyager sails away in February 2012, after completing drydocking repairs at Jurong Shipyard, as part of the strategic alliance 

between the shipping company and the yard. Image by Sembcorp Marine. 



Specialised ship conversions 

The company’s specialised ship conversion capabilities include 

the conversion of tankers to lightering vessels, cargo vessels to 

livestock carriers, cargo vessels to container ships, power barge 

conversions and the jumboisation and dejumboisation of vessels. 

Offshore repairs 

The group has specialised expertise in servicing offshore 

platforms, including the repairing and upgrading of jack-up 

drilling rigs, and the upgrading of semi-submersible rigs for deepwater 

drilling. 

Rigbuilding 

A global leader in rig building, Sembcorp Marine has proven 

capabilities in the proprietary design and building of deep 

drilling offshore jack-up rigs and in the fast-track construction 

of highly sophisticated dynamic positioning semi-submersible 

and production semi-submersible rigs for the offshore oil and 

gas industry. Other offshore newbuilding projects undertaken 

by the company include the construction of heavy-lift jack-up 

barges, work-over rigs and offshore platforms. 

Offshore engineering and construction 

Sembcorp Marine offers total solutions in the engineering, 

procurement, construction, transportation, installation, offshore 

hook-up and commissioning of offshore production platforms 

and floating production facilities for the oil and gas industries. 

The group’s specialised capabilities also extend to the fabrication, 

installation, integration and commissioning of topside production 

modules for fixed platforms and mega FPSOs. 

GLOBAL NETWORK 

Sembcorp Marine’s Singapore hub operations consist of Jurong 

Shipyard, Sembawang Shipyard, SMOE, PPL Shipyard and Jurong 

SML, as well as its new integrated Tuas Yard facility, supported 

by Indonesian yards PT Karimun Sembawang Shipyard and PT 

SMOE Indonesia. 

The group’s global network includes overseas shipyards 

Estaleiro Jurong Aracruz in Brazil, Sembmarine Kakinada in India, 

Sembcorp-Sabine Shipyard in the US, Sembmarine SLP in the 

UK and strategic operations in China. 

Integrated new yard facility 

Sembcorp Marine’s integrated new yard facility at Tuas View 

Extension will further reinforce the company’s competitive edge, 

enabling it to respond effectively to customers’ requirements 

and future challenges. 

The new yard facility is designed to maximise operational 

synergy, production efficiency and critical mass with optimised 

docking and berthing facilities, an improved dock and quay ratio, 

a centralised work-efficient layout, and integrated facilities. 

The 206-hectare new yard facility will be built in three phases. 

Phase I, which spans 73.3 hectares, will focus on ship repair and 

conversion activities and is scheduled to be completed in the 

second half of 2013. Phase I will feature four VLCC drydocks 

totalling 1,550,000 dwt, a 3,408 m quay, as well as workshops for 

hull and fitting works, a blasting and painting chamber, warehouse 

and craneage facilities. It will also house a Health, Safety and 

Environment (HSE) Centre along with medical clinic facilities, a 

training centre, owners’ offices and a multi-storey dormitory for 

the workforce. 

The new yard facility will be well-equipped to serve a wide 

range of vessels including VLCCs, new generations of mega 

containerships, LNG carriers and passenger ships, as well as meet 

new regulatory requirements and environmental standards. 

TECHNOLOGIES 

Research and Development 

Sembcorp Marine continues to strengthen its technological 

and competitive capabilities to stay at the forefront of industry 

developments and advancements. 

Through sustained investments in research and development, 

the group has developed proprietary capabilities, solutions 

and designs, such as the innovative ‘Load-out & Mating’ and 

‘Transverse Skidding’ fast-track semi-submersible construction 

techniques as well as the Jurong Espadon drillship design and 

the Pacific Class jack-up series. 

These innovations and intellectual assets have enabled Sembcorp 

Marine to further enhance its competitive edge and reinforce its 

leading position in the marine and offshore industry. 

In June 2012, Jurong Shipyard successfully delivered Atwood Condor, an ultra-deepwater semi-submersible with dynamic positioning capability, built by the yard for Atwood 

Oceanics. Image by Sembcorp Marine. 


15


Wide-ranging benefits offered by BIM software 

Mr Michael Hodgson, Technical Manager, Steel Segment, Tekla Oyj explains how the company’s 

products assist engineers, detailers, fabricators, contractors and others in the engineering, 

fabrication and erection of structures. 

Question: Could you provide some 

information on Tekla’s products 

for offshore engineering? 

Answer: We believe that Tekla 

provides the most advanced and 

integrated BIM (Building Information 

Modelling) software for offshore 

and EPC structures. Tekla software 

is used to manage the engineering, 

Mr Michael Hodgson 

detailing, fabrication and erection of all types of structures, 

including offshore platforms, topsides and jackets. 

Tekla Structures provides accurate, dynamic and data-rich 3D 

building information models that can be utilised by offshore 

contractors, structural engineers, steel detailers and fabricators, 

amongst others. With this way of working, we help our customers 

and partners create new opportunities for themselves in the 

offshore construction industry. 

Key to the success of our customers’ projects is Tekla BIM 

software’s ability to centralise building information into the 

model, allowing for more collaborative and integrated project 

management, fabrication and delivery. This ultimately translates 

to increased productivity and elimination of waste, thus making 

offshore construction more sustainable and profitable. 

Q: What specific benefits do these products bring to engineers, 

detailers, fabricators and others? 

A: Tekla BIM software is used by many fabricators, engineering 

consultants and oil & gas companies all over the world to model 

and prototype their offshore steel structures such as platforms, 

structural decks, jacket, main support frames, modules, flare 

boom, boat landing, helideck and piping supports, that are then 

constructed and used for processes like drilling and production. 

Tekla Structures users can work simultaneously on the same 

central offshore model, and then automatically generate 

engineering, fabrication and erection drawings and also reports 

from the model. Ultimately, Tekla Structures links to CNC 

machines for automated fabrication including plate, beam 

and complex pipe cutting processes. Creating schedules and 

fabrication planning are also done as the model is built within 

the software. Customisable marking of all parts (including 

welds) allows for unique, identical, or hybrid numbering systems 

which enable efficient traceability throughout fabrication and 

construction. Automated clash checking exposes conflicts 

from all disciplines already within the model and minimises 

costly errors through superior change management and 

revision control. 

Using TeklaBIMsight, the free design co-ordination software, 

our users can then share the Tekla 3D model with anyone 

else around the world who would like to fly around the 

structure and interrogate elements. 


Tekla BIM offshore models are the window to reliable project 

information during the fabrication process. 

Q: Could you comment on the interoperability between Tekla 

software and other software used for the engineering of 

offshore structures? 

A: Through Tekla Open API, Tekla Structures links to all 

major offshore design software systems for fully integrated 

analysis and design workflow. Tekla BIM software can easily 

integrate with all offshore industry-standard plant modelling 

packages, such as Intergraph SmartPlant 3D, SmartMarine 

3D, PDS, Aveva PDMS and also analysis and design software 

like SFrame, Staad Pro, Midas, SAP2000 etc. Tekla structures 

can accept other 3D designs from all major 3D modelling 

software applications for final co-ordination purposes, thus 

facilitating fast and error-free design and detailing, and 

ultimately saving our customers time and money. 

Q: What are some of the projects where Tekla software has 

contributed significantly to successful outcomes? 

A: Since the late 1950s, Saipem’s Offshore division has built 

a global reputation as one of the true innovators in the field 

of offshore construction. In fact, Saipem has completed 

approximately 120 offshore construction projects within the last 

decade and the current potential of Saipem’s fabrication facilities 

exceeds an aggregate of 130,000 t per annum. The company has 

been using Tekla BIM to design its platforms since 2004, greatly 

benefitting from the availability of a single structural model 

from which they can extract project plans and detailing, lists of 

materials, weights and centres of gravity. 

Tekla BIM was key to completion of the Halfdan BB, an 

unmanned platform situated in the North Sea at a location 

where the depth reaches 50 m. The design of the deck structure 

was completed with Tekla Structures which enabled continuous 

monitoring of the weight of the structure and the position of the 

deck structure’s centre of gravity during the design phase. The 

ability of Tekla Structures to output 2D drawings when needed 

also simplified the certification process and development of 

workshop designs used on the construction site. Saipem believes 

that Tekla Structures will continue to boost the efficiency of its 

work processes as well as the quality of the results that can be 

derived from the model. 

Lamprell, a leader in the rig and topsides solutions market 

throughout the Gulf Region, has been using Tekla BIM software 

since 2007, and has seen savings of at least 25% to 30% in 

time, compared to its earlier way of working. The company’s 

main challenge was the lack of custom components as it had 

to model every part of the vessel. This was also made more 

difficult with the need for all weld preps on the drawings, 

which meant that it had to model each component. The unique 

features in Tekla Structures, such as the copying of bulkheads, 

frames, and manholes, without the need to model the details of


Tekla software ensured the consistency of interfaces during modelling of the Lamprell Bassdrill Alpha barge. 

The unique features in Tekla Structures enabled Lamprell to deal with pipe 

profiles very accurately. 

bevels, contributed to the success of its projects. The software 

also enabled Lamprell to deal with pipe profiles very accurately. 

Lamprell is also involved in building topside modules for floating 

production, storage and offloading (FPSO) units which have 

numerous uses. They receive crude oil directly from underwater 

wellheads; separate oil, gas and water; inject gas into the field 

for artificial lift requirement; store stabilised crude oil; and 

offload it via hoses to export tankers periodically moored 

to the FPSO. Utilising Tekla BIM, Lamprell was able to design 

FPSO topside modules with a multi-point support system and 

Lamprell’s FPSO Topside Modules won in the Best Offshore project category at the 

Tekla Middle East model competition in 2010 

with appropriate restraints that minimised interaction with the 

vessel’s hull structure. 

With Tekla software, Lamprell found that it can handle larger 

and more complex projects compared to other 3D modelling 

solutions, and that it can be utilised from initial concept studies, 

including 4D visualisation, to the design of structures, safety 

systems and sustainability, and all the way from commissioning 

and modifications to eventual decommissioning. 

All the above images by Lamprell. 


17


Lloyd’s Register and A*STAR to jointly promote 

innovation in the energy and marine sectors 

At the signing ceremony are, from left, Mr John Wishart, Lloyd’s Register’s Global Energy Director; Dr Raj Thampuran, Managing Director of A*STAR; Dr Claus Myllerup, 

Managing Director, Singapore Group Technology Centre, Lloyd’s Register; and Mr Lim Chuan Poh, Chairman, A*STAR. 

Leading classification society Lloyd’s Register has established a 

world-class Group Technology Centre (GTC) in Singapore to 

deliver innovation and solutions to the energy and maritime 

sectors. It has also reached an agreement with the Agency for 

Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) to collaborate on 

R&D projects as a key part of the centre’s activities. 

The intent is to establish a Joint Lab facility with A*STAR’s 

Institute for High Performance Computing (IHPC) to co-develop 

applications and solutions in the marine and offshore sectors. 

This arrangement will promote R&D activities in modelling 

and simulation, and provide bespoke technical solutions for 

companies in these sectors. 

To encourage the development of technical expertise and young 

engineers, PhD students will be trained at the GTC during the 

programme’s initial five-year period. These students will be 

working on R&D projects between the technology centre and 

Singapore’s institutes of higher learning such as the National 

University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University. 

“Our investment in the new Lloyd’s Register Group Technology 

Centre in Singapore, coupled with the agreement with A*STAR, 

represents a shared vision to create a long-term centre of 

excellence for technology, innovation and research that will 

benefit Singapore, industry and society at large”, said Mr Richard 

Sadler, Chief Executive Officer of Lloyd’s Register. 

“It underlines our global commitment to understanding the 

sciences and technologies that help to ensure that people are 

safe, and that essential assets perform as required”, he added. 

“The collaboration between Lloyd’s Register and A*STAR 

demonstrates common interest to develop technologies to 


boost developments for the energy and maritime sectors. This 

partnership marks an important milestone in driving innovation 

and technology solutions for these key sectors”, said Dr Raj 

Thampuran, Managing Director of A*STAR. 

“Exciting areas of research include modelling and simulation; 

designing floating offshore structures, deep sea drilling equipment 

and transportation, maritime safety and environment, and marine 

energy harvesting. This relationship will grow stronger over time 

and contribute significantly to the growth of these sectors. I am 

confident that outcomes from our research collaboration will 

be keenly watched by key industry players”, he added. 

‘Along with our Group Technology Centre at the University 

of Southampton in the UK, the Singapore GTC will serve as a 

cornerstone for our global research and development network, 

which currently includes 48 academic and technical institutions 

sponsored by The Lloyd’s Register Educational Trust”, Mr Sadler said. 

The capabilities and resources of the new centre will be scaled 

up over five years to work on projects mutually identified by 

Lloyd’s Register and A*STAR under the new research agreement. 

Investment in this new centre is expected to reach US$ 35 

million. By year five, up to 150 full-time engineers, researchers 

and doctoral students will be jointly employed and working 

together with industry on projects of mutual interest. 

“This strategic initiative will further strengthen the technological 

readiness of our organisation”, said Mr John Wishart, Lloyd’s 

Register’s Global Energy Director. 

“It will help to ensure that our energy and marine clients receive 

innovative technical solutions to maintain their competitive edge 

and sustain their leadership positions going forward”, he added.


Heave and VIM suppressed ‘HVS’ semi-submersible 

design for Southeast Asian environments 

by Qi Xu and Jim Ermon, Technip 

The new design for oil production platforms is said to offer significant benefits. 

Glossary of acronyms 

CFD - Computational Fluid Dynamics 

CG - Centre of Gravity 

DTA - Dry Tree Application 

DVA - Direct Vertical Access 

GM - Distance between CG and metacentre 

GoM - Gulf of Mexico 

RAO - Response Amplitude Operator 

SCR - Steel Catenary Riser 

TLP - Tension Leg Platform 

TTR - Top Tensioned Riser 

VIM - Vortex Induced Motion 

BACKGROUND 

In offshore oil & gas production, with the trend towards 

implementing deeper, larger, and more complex offshore 

development projects, and moving into regions requiring more 

flexibility, there is a greater need to meet both the technical and 

cost challenges associated with this new frontier. 

Although, over the last several years, deep-draft semisubmersible 

concepts have been developed in the Gulf of 

Mexico as wet-tree floating production systems, it is envisioned 

that the production semi solution will be used in other parts of 

the world, as well (most notably in Southeast Asia), to address 

these challenges. 

The wet-tree floater market has been growing, largely due to: 

• Reservoirs favouring non-directional wells which lead to 

subsea production 

• Increased water depth (making SCR design easier and TTR 

design more difficult) 

• Choices of mature floater concepts 

Current wet-tree floater concepts include semi-submersibles, 

Spars, TLPs and ship-shaped vessels with and without turrets. 

Of these choices, the semisubmersible has become a favourite, 

primarily because of the key advantage of quayside integration 

of the ever increasing size and weight of topsides, a large deck 

area, ability to support a large number of risers, and overall costeffectiveness. 

However, conventional semi-submersibles continue to face 

challenges in supporting SCRs, particularly large ones, and the 

associated strength and fatigue issues as a result of relatively 

high heave motion. This is particularly true for semis operating in 

harsh environments and relatively shallow water. Heave motion 

increases the loading on the SCR near the riser touchdown 

zone. In an effort to improve the heave motion, the draft of the 

semi-submersibles has been increased. 

Unfortunately, as a result of increasing the draft, another challenge 

has been introduced - high VIM as a result of wind, loop, and tidal 

currents. The high VIM of a deep draft semi-submersible is mainly 

due to the increased VIM excitation from the longer columns 

and reduced damping from the smaller pontoons, compared to 

conventional semis. An SCR’s fatigue life at the touchdown point 

can be greatly compromised by the high VIM. Other factors also 

come into play as a result of VIM. For instance, VIM can make it 

difficult to meet mooring fatigue design criteria. 

INTRODUCTION 

Though VIM has been experienced by shallow draft semisubmersibles 

in the presence of strong surface current, it never 

became a driving design issue. With increasing draft, however, it 

has now become a fatigue design issue for risers and mooring, 

with no simple solution. 

Technip has long been recognised for its quality and reliable 

hull designs, such as the Spar hull. Specifically developed as a 

riser-friendly floater, suitable for both dry-tree and wet-tree 

applications, the Spar is a proven concept with excellent motion 

performance. Earlier Spars were primarily used as dry-tree units, 

while the recent few Spars are wet-tree applications. 

However, in the coming years, in order to meet evolving technical 

challenges of deeper and more complex field developments 

and increasing market needs, Technip is expanding its existing 

floater product portfolio by introducing to the market a new 

semi-submersible design - the heave and VIM suppressed ‘HVS’ 

semi-submersible. 

The HVS semi-submersible was developed at Technip as a wettree 

floater which achieves significantly improved heave motion 

and VIM performance through hull form optimisation while 

maintaining the simplicity of a conventional semi-submersible 

design. Future enhancements of this design will also include 

direct vertical access and dry tree applications. 

This article explores the design of the new HVS semisubmersible, 

points out its many features, quantifies its 

performance, explains why it responds accordingly, and 

highlights its many advantages and benefits. 


19


THE ‘HVS’ DESIGN AND FEATURES 

The HVS semi-submersible design is based on a simple, elegant 

solution, through the use of blisters constructed with sharp 

corners attached to the base of the column, not extending to 

the waterline. This design effectively breaks the vortex shedding 

coherence along the column length and results in suppressed 

VIM performance. 

The HVS semi-submersible design presented herein has the 

following features: 

1. Pontoon width is reduced without compromising the 

structural strength. 

2. Column blisters are added to provide the buoyancy and stability 

needed at quayside and the mass needed for the heave natural 

period. The blisters also help to reduce the VIM response. 

3. Tall pontoon (height-to-width ratio > 1) for effective VIM damping. 

Figure 1 depicts the wetted surface area of the HVS semisubmersible 

design, contrasted against a conventional semisubmersible 

design shown in Figure 2. As mentioned above, the 

blisters at the base of the column is key in the design. These 

blisters effectively introduce more three-dimensionality in the 

flow around columns. The pontoon is also made higher than 

is conventional for more damping. Meanwhile, the pontoon 

width and blister size are so selected that the requirements for 

pontoon structural strength, buoyancy at quayside and heave 

natural period are all met. 

Figure 1: HVS design. 

The principal dimensions of this particular example are shown 

in Table 1. Due to the asymmetric arrangement of the blisters 

(relative to column centre-line), it is also expected that the 

synchronisation of vortex shedding between the columns will 

be reduced to some degree. 

For comparison purposes, a more conventional semi-submersible 

design with the same principal dimensions, shown in Table 1 and 

Figure 2, is selected as a reference case. 

Component Unit HVS Conventional 

Column Width m 20 20 

Corner Radius m 4 4 

Column Spacing m 73 73 

Draft m 41 41 

Freeboard m 20 20 

Deck Box Height m 9.5 9.5 

Pontoon Width m 9 16 

Pontoon Height m 12 10 

Blister Height m 18 N/A 

Blister Depth m 8 N/A 

Table 1: Principal dimensions. 

Heave motion 

The HVS design addresses the need to reduce the load on 

the pontoon in order to reduce heave. A smaller pontoon 

means smaller wave load, but the pontoon is needed in a semisubmersible 

design, and its size is governed by the following 

design drivers: 

1. A sufficiently long heave natural period. 

2. Sufficient buoyancy at shallow draft for quayside integration 

and wet tow. 

3. Structural rigidity. 

The HVS design shifts a part of the pontoon volume to the 

four corners of the platform in the form of blisters attached to 

the columns. This effectively reduces heave load on the platform 

because the wave force acting on the widely separated blisters 

will not reach maximum at the same time, due to the wave 

phasing. The force on the pontoons in this design is significantly 

reduced, compared to conventional designs, while the force on 

the columns remains almost unchanged. 

Figure 3 shows a comparison of the heave RAO at CG (head 

seas) between the HVS and conventional semi-submersible 

designs, both designed for the same payload. In the calculation 

of the RAOs, a linear damping suitable for the response level in 

a 100-year hurricane is applied. 

The HVS semi is found to reduce the heave response from 

35% - 50% (Table 2). The draft is 41 m in both designs, and both 

designs have approximately the same heave natural period. 

Figure 2: Conventional design. 



Figure 3: Heave motion RAO comparison. 

Hs Tp Gamma Max Heave Amp (m) 

(m) (sec) Conv HVS Reduction 

5 10 1 0.49 0.25 50% 

9 12 2 1.50 0.81 46% 

14 14 2.6 2.98 1.94 35% 

Table 2: Comparison of heave response at CG (head sea). 

VIM response 

It is known that a semi-submersible with a relatively shallow draft 

(around 24 m) experiences little or no VIM. It is believed that 

the strong three-dimensionality of the flow around a shallow 

draft semi-submersible leads to small VIM excitation. However, 

with the increased draft, the VIM response becomes more and 

more significant. This phenomenon is understood to be caused 

by the enhanced coherence of the vortex shedding along the 

column length for deep draft designs. One of the possible ways 

to reduce VIM response is to bring the three-dimensionality to 

the deep draft design. The blisters in the HVS semi-submersible 

design serve this purpose. 

From qualitative, theoretical analysis, the following observations 

can be made: 

• VIM amplitude is proportional to exciting force and inversely 

proportional to pontoon drag force (pontoon CD & lateral 

projected area). 

• CD is increased by 30% ~ 40% due to the high and 

narrow pontoon. 

• Pontoon lateral area is increased by about 20%. 

• Forcing function is expected to be less due to the interrupted 

vortex shedding coherence along the column length. 

• Synchronisation between columns may be disrupted to 

some degree. 

With all the effects combined, it is expected that the VIM 

response will be reduced by 40% - 60% with the HVS semisubmersible 

design. However, such a conclusion based on 

qualitative, theoretical analysis alone is not sufficient. Therefore, 

the expected VIM response was verified by CFD and model 

tests. Initial pilot CFD analysis did prove that the VIM response is 

reduced by about 50% in the HVS design. 

VIM model test 

To confirm the performance of the HVS design, towing tank 

model tests were performed in December of 2010 at FORCE 

Technology’s testing facilities. Figure 5 depicts the HVS model 

being prepared for towing tests. The tests compared the HVS 

semi-submersible to a more conventional design with the 

same hull dimensions, and were used to verify the qualitatively 

analysed VIM response and CFD predictions. 

To better illustrate this point, Figure 4 shows a snapshot 

comparison of flow visualisation using CFD analysis. The white 

cloud at the base of the conventional semi column indicates a 

continuous vortex along the length of the column, whereas the 

HVS blister effectively breaks up this vortex shedding and VIM 

is greatly reduced. The vortex cloud behind the HVS pontoon 

also shows relatively more damping than the conventional case. 

Figure 5: HVS model test. 

Several different hull configurations were tested: 

Case Pontoon Pontoon Blister Blister Remarks 

ID Width Height Height Width 

1 9m 12m 18m 8m Base Case 

2 9m 12m 15m 9m Sensitivity 

3 9m 12m 12m 10.5m Sensitivity 

4 16m 10m N/A N/A Conventional 

Figure 4: Flow visualisation comparison. 


21


Figure 6 shows the comparison of VIM response between the 

conventional and HVS semi-submersible designs for the heading 

of 45º. It can be seen that the VIM response is reduced by more 

than 50%. 

Figure 6: Comparison of VIM Response from VIM Model Test. 

In addition to the above model tests, wave basin model tests 

have been conducted at MARIN’s testing facility, and the results 

will be published. 

ADVANTAGES AND BENEFITS OF ‘HVS’ 

The above results of the HVS design are striking: Heave response 

for 100-year hurricane at hull CG is reduced by 35% - 50%, and 

VIM is reduced by 50% for critical headings. Consequently, this 

translates into multiple advantages and benefits, most notably 

with regard to improved riser characteristics. 

However, the HVS design also has other operational and safety 

advantages, such as enhanced stability at quayside, improved 

ballasting system, and fabrication economies accompanied by a 

reduced risk profile for construction/operation activities. 

Improved riser/mooring characteristics 

As a result of the reduced heave motion, the riser bending stress 

at the touchdown point is significantly reduced. Riser minimum 

tension at the touchdown point is increased, and the possibility 

of riser buckling in extreme and survival conditions is decreased, 

or eliminated. 

The reduced VIM response increases the VIM induced fatigue 

life by almost an order of magnitude. The HVS semi design also 

has a lower VIM induced roll motion, which will translate into 

reduced fatigue of the riser stress joint at the hang-off location. 

Also, the mooring chain fatigue due to VIM, which can be dominating 

for a VIM-prone design, is even more significantly reduced. 

Current analysis is underway to quantify these advantages. 

However, an early indication can be referenced from a recent 

analysis of a 14” gas export riser, in which VIM fatigue life near 

the touchdown zone was improved by about five times. 

Fabrication economies/safety benefits 

In addition to the benefits of improved riser characteristics, the 

HVS semi introduces several fabrication economies and safety 

features. For instance, the increased quayside stability from the 

blisters makes the hull design less sensitive to topside weight 

increase, which tends to decouple the hull and topsides design, 

and enables a more robust project execution. By increasing 

the blisters, additional stability is obtained, without the need to 

change column spacing. 

This benefit would allow an added margin for weight contingency, 

often (if not always) required in construction projects in 

which initial designed topsides’ weight increases as the project 

progresses. Alternatively, the operators could use the increased 

stability to save 4%-5% in column spacing and gain marginal 

weight savings. And, the HVS topside to hull weight ratio of 

approximately 1.1 is still maintained, similar to an equivalent 

conventional semi design, with little or no penalty for the design 

improvement - a key cost advantage. 

The HVS semi is also equipped with a caisson-based ballasting 

system, eliminating the need for pump rooms and sea 

chests inside the lower hull (Figure 7). Each quadrant has its 

independent filling and discharging lines, thus eliminating the 

possibility of cross flooding, and resulting in a much safer system. 

The requirement for entry into the lower hull for maintenance 

and inspection of the ballasting system is minimised, improving 

the operational safety and cost. 

Figure 7: Caissons at each quadrant. 

Key features of the hull systems in this design include the following: 

• Each column, pontoon quadrant is independent; no crossconnection 

of ballast system between pontoons and quadrants. 

• Use of electric submersible pumps. 

• No sea chest, or sea chest valves. 

• Minimises chance of cross flooding between water ballast tanks. 

• Redundancy of ballast discharge pumps in each column. 

• No free flooding into ballast tanks; ballast water must be raised to 

top of column before entering a ballast tank (up & over). 

• Pump fill and discharge valves are located at manifold column 

top for ease of access. 

Finally, the HVS semi can be designed with a deck box 

(shown in the artistic rendering, Figure 8) similar to existing 



semi-submersibles such as Thunder Horse and Atlantis, or 

an open truss type deck similar to Na Kika. A deck box has 

the benefits of additional stability reserve (a vital measure of 

last resort in offshore column flooding mishaps), minimises 

equipment damage from wave run-up during storms, and adds 

structural strength. 

Figure 8: HVS artistic rendering with deck box. 

CONCLUSION 

Compared with conventional semi-submersibles, Technip’s 

new HVS semi design is a far superior, riser-friendly floater. 

With significantly improved hull motions, riser fatigue life and 

riser strength characteristics are greatly improved. And, equally 

important, the HVS design is a more cost-effective and safer 

solution. Whilst the HVS semi incorporates a novel hull shape, the 

simplicity of the hull design translates into minimum innovation 

risk and it is still inherently a semi-submersible and, therefore, 

the barriers to market entry/first application are expected to be 

much lower than for a completely new radical design. Many of 

the design benefits, such as improved riser fatigue life in strong 

persistent current environments and reduced infrastructure 

requirements for construction, are particularly beneficial when 

considering application to a Southeast Asia platform. 

(This article is based on a paper authored by Qi Xu and Jim 

Ermon, from Technip, and presented at the OFFSHORE ASIA 2012 

Conference. 

Organised by PennWell Corporation, OFFSHORE ASIA 2012, the 

7th annual Offshore Asia Conference & Exhibition, was held at the 

Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 21 

to 23 February 2012). 

Two specially-adapted 

Potain MD 1100s working at 

Indian shipyard 

Indian engineering and manufacturing giant Larsen & Toubro 

(L&T) is using two Potain MD1100 special application 

cranes at its new shipbuilding facility near Chennai in India. 

The customised cranes were built to L&T’s specifications 

and designed by Manitowoc’s special application cranes 

team. They have capacities of 32 t and 40 t. 

The Kattapalli Shipyard, located near Ennore Port, is the 

second facility for L&T’s shipbuilding division. It is designed 

to handle both newbuild work and ship repair. Production 

at the yard is designed around the flow of the shipbuilding 

process, from the plate preparation shop to the plate 

forming shop, panel preparation shop, assembly shops, and 

finally, blasting and painting shops. When work is complete, 

vessels are docked, undocked and launched at the 

shipyard’s special shiplift facility.The two Potain MD1100s 

are installed on the jetty and are used to handle loads for 

both ship repair and construction. 

When specifying the requirements of the cranes at the 

yard, L&T was impressed with Manitowoc’s ability to meet 

all of its needs in terms of capacity and size of the footprint. 

The Potain MD1100 is a modular product and is available 

in different capacity classes, depending on customer needs. 

The 40 t capacity MD1100 is said to be the first crane of 

its size in India to be mounted on a 12 m x 10 m chassis. 

It is also the first MD1100 in India outfitted with a 70 m 

jib. Another unique feature of the two MD 1100 cranes in 

India is that they are the first two erected in the country 

without climbing cages for the masts - working heights are 

fixed at 47.2 m and 46.2 m. 

According to L&T, despite the specialised design of the 

cranes, erecting them at the shipyard was smooth. Each 

step ran easily, and every component came with detailed 

instructions that made for a smooth and hassle-free erection. 

A Potain MD1100 special application crane, from Manitowoc, at L&T’s 

new shipbuilding facility near Chennai, India. 


23



25

CIVIL & STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING 


The third regional campus of ITE (The Institute of Technical Education) to be completed, 

it also houses the ITE Headquarters. The key driving force behind the conception of the 

development is that as ITE is a public institution, it is necessary to create a conducive 

learning environment whilst also ensuring the cost-effectiveness of the solutions. This 

project is part of the Singapore Government’s plan to make ITE world-class. 

Located at 2 Ang Mo Kio Drive, ITE College Central is the institution’s third regional campus. 

Through the innovative design of this new campus, ITE 

endeavours to be an example of good building design whilst 

also promoting environmental consciousness. With a strong 

commitment to further the conservation message, ITE aims to 

educate both its students and the public by going the extra mile 

to raise awareness through pioneering implementation of ecotours 

within its campus. 

Located at 2 Ang Mo Kio Drive, the eight-storey ITE College 

Central & ITE Headquarters consists of a total of 10 blocks 

comprising an administrative block, four school blocks, three 

workshop blocks, the aerospace block and a sports complex. An 

efficient block layout, linked by a central circulation spine, results 

in the generation of a Gross Floor Area of 192,820 m 2 on a site 

area of 106,116 m 2 . 

DESIGN CONCEPT 

The form of the whole development is derived on the basis of 

the headquarters being stacked over the programmes (schools), 

as a form of control, and also because the education is to be 

conceived in totality with the headquarters. 

The headquarters massing is pushed to the front to give 

distinction and prominence. 

ITE College Central & ITE Headquarters consists of a total of 10 blocks. 



The new campus is defined by its innovative, environment-friendly design. 

The overall form of the college is perceived as an interweaving 

ribbon that has no defined start or stop point. This gesture is a 

metaphor to the progressive objective of lifelong learning. As for 

the massing of the headquarters, it is an outreaching form to 

symbolise its integral role in the overall ITE masterplan. 

Site forces for the development were taken into consideration 

when designing the building. Orientation away from the eastern 

and western sun, buffering from the Central Expressway, 

and entry points to the development were all considered, 

yet maintaining the requirement of a main sightline for the 

development. 

Spatial relationships between blocks are created by means of 

the ‘inspiration spine’ with reference points along the way, such 

as the ‘forum’ and amphitheatre, which give one a sense of 

direction within the whole development. The main atrium linking 

the headquarters and convention centre acts as the arrival point 

and the start of the inspiration spine. 

The headquarters at the entrance corner gives prominence and 

accessibility. The location and design of the convention centre 

anchors the corner and helps establish its landmark identity. 

The sports field is placed between the Central Expressway and 

the college to act as a buffer which also helps to create a grand 

vista for the representative pods of each schools. 

Each of the workshop blocks is tilted slightly from its neighbouring 

blocks to provide maximum views into the surrounding 

landscape areas for all users. 

A green strategy is created by having a green spine along the 

centre of the development with ‘green fingers’ weaving into the 

Spatial relationships between blocks are created by means of the ‘inspiration spine’. 

activity spaces, providing greenery to all blocks. A green wall 

on the western wall of the school blocks not only provides 

shielding from the western sun but also highlights the individual 

school blocks. 


27


The main circulation at the lower level is along the 2 nd storey 

level which is also the inspiration spine. It allows spatial linkage 

with all the blocks within the development. 

services, are located along the west-facing façade, to serve as a 

thermal buffer. 

Daylight reflectors 

Innovative daylight reflectors, similar to raised skylights, allow 

sunlight into the office areas in the school blocks, thus reducing 

reliance on artificial lighting and minimising energy consumption. 

A double-volume spatial void is created within the pod to bring 

natural light into interior spaces. 

Environmental canopy 

An environmental canopy, consisting of perforated aluminium 

panels and ETFE (Ethylene Tetra Fluoro Ethylene) fabric, links 

the blocks together above the roof while providing shade to 

the outdoor sports areas and inspiration spine. The continuous 

linkage between the school blocks and workshop blocks 

symbolise that education is a continuous and lifelong learning 

process. The ETFE with leaf imprints allows for only 50% 

of natural daylight to diffuse through, whilst sheltering the 

inspiration spine from the elements. This double-layered ETFE 

pillow system provides heat insulation and reduces harmful UV 

from penetrating to the circulation space below. 

Greenery 

Extensive use of vertical greenery on the west-facing facade for 

all school and workshop blocks shields the development from 

the evening sun. The wide use of landscaping at the E-deck, midterraces 

and roof, further reduces the cooling load. 

A green strategy is created by having a green spine along the centre of the 

development with ‘green fingers’ weaving into the activity spaces. 

A mid-level circulation is created at the 4 th storey. Shared 

facilities, like auditorium, library and sports hall are located along 

this level. This allows easy access and encourages interaction 

between students from different schools. The mid-level mall is 

designed with a series of voids to establish visual linkage with the 

activity spaces along the 2 nd storey circulation spine. 

ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES 

Building orientation 

The overall massing was established through a combination 

of 3D modelling, sun-path analysis and Computational Fluid 

Dynamics (CFD) studies. The building layout is arranged to 

maximise north-south orientation and reduce passive heat gain 

along the western façade. This orientation channels the prevailing 

wind through the central circulation spine, achieving maximum 

cross-ventilation, thus creating an optimal environment for users. 

Passive design approach 

Adopting a passive design approach, the naturally ventilated 

service core and common areas, like toilets, staircases and M&E 

STRUCTURAL FEATURES 

Design concept 

The main challenges in the project were the tight project 

schedule, flexibility and modularity of facilities as functional 

requirements, architectural considerations, and cost-efficiency. 

The project team decided to adopt standardisation and 

modularity in conjunction with the design of the repetitive 

clusters of workshops, and lecture rooms, and the basic features 

incorporated at the outset included regular grids, consistent 

floor-to-floor height, and symmetrical block layout. 

As a result, extensive use could be made made of precast 

concrete structures, steel structures, unitised curtain wall 

systems, aluminium cladding, and prefabricated sunshades and 

balustrades. 

To increase construction productivity, 50% of the building is 

precast, against the industry norm of 25%, achieving a buildability 

score of 80 points which is above the minimal 69-point 

requirement. Precasting reduces the need for wet works and 

formwork erection on site, while producing modular standards 

for structural elements, cutting down construction time and 

improving quality control on site. All cast in-situ superstructure 

elements (walls, beams, floor slabs) are made with green 

concrete mix containing 10% recycled concrete aggregate and 

10% waste copper slag. 



Typical structural layout: extensive use has been made of precast concrete structures. 

To increase construction productivity, 50% of the building is precast. All cast in-situ 

superstructure elements (walls, beams, floor slabs) are made with green concrete mix. 

Standardisation and modularity have been adopted in conjunction with the design 

of the repetitive clusters of workshops, and lecture rooms. 


29


Foundation and sub-structure 

By using large bored pile sizes and avoiding large pilecap 

construction and deep excavation, piling design was optimised 

and construction time was reduced. By adopting repetitive and 

standard grids, it was possible to achieve approximately uniform 

loads acting on the foundation, allowing standardisation of pile sizes. 

Pilecaps were detailed to integrate with the lower ground slab 

as part of the flat slab design. The pilecaps also acted as a drop 

panel to provide shear resistance, and were detailed to integrate 

with the lower ground beam as well, to eliminate construction 

of stumps. 

The lower ground floor was designed as a flat slab with droppanel 

construction, thus avoiding deep beams that would have 

increased the cost of construction. 

The use of bored piles also reduced vibration and noise to 

the surroundings. 

Precast structures 

In view of the short construction period, the adopted building 

structural system had to be buildable and the speed of 

construction was a major consideration. 

In general, the structural system adopted for this project 

comprises precast hollow core slabs supported by precast 

RC beams. The design approach was to eliminate or minimise 

formwork, props and scaffolding. 

Precast beams were designed without props and are supported 

on corbels. The corbels are designed to take the self-weight of 

the beam only during installation. In service, the load from the 

beam is transferred directly to the column by the end face of 

the beams. To ensure proper transfer of load from the end face 

of the precast beams, shear keys are provided on the end face. 

The hollow core slabs were precast, pre-tensioned and designed 

to span 12 m without the use of any props. 

WORKSHOPS 

HEADQUARTERS 

By adopting repetitive and standard grids, it was possible to achieve approximately 

uniform loads acting on the foundation, allowing standardisation of pile sizes. 

In total, more than 15,000 structural precast units were prefabricated and all 

were erected within nine months. 



Numerous precast and prefabricated structural elements were 

designed and adopted. These include beams, single ‘T’ slabs, 

planks, hollow core slabs, reinforced concrete walls, staircase 

flights, and welded mesh for concrete topping. 

In total, more than 15,000 structural precast units were 

prefabricated and all were erected within nine months. 

The project achieved high construction productivity with 

several ‘value added’ outcomes that included eliminating 

formwork / staging, which resulted in cleaner and safer 

working environments; minimising the number of lifts; creating 

even surfaces that required only a skim coat finish instead 

of plastering; achieving better quality control which resulted 

in higher quality finishes; minimising the use of labour; and 

facilitating earlier commencement of other trades such as M&E 

and architectural works. 

Steel structures 

Steel has been widely used in this development. Having superior 

strength/unit weight, steel permitted considerable flexibility in 

design, as well as accuracy in installation, and contributed to a 

shorter construction time and a safer working environment. 

Prefabricated steel structures were designed for the 

environmental canopy, link-bridges, spectator gallery roof, sports 

hall roof, auditorium roof, the forum and amphitheatre. 

This article was written, based on information, 

including text and images, provided by RSP Architects 

Planners & Engineers (Pte) Ltd. 

PROJECT DATA 

Project 


Project Address 

2 Ang Mo Kio Drive, Singapore 567720 

Site Area 

10.6 ha (106,116 m 2 ) 

Gross Floor Area 

192,820 m 2 

Plot Ratio 

1.817 

Carparking Lots 

682 lots 

Completion Date 

4 October 2012 

Steel is also widely used in this development. Having superior strength/unit weight, 

steel permitted considerable flexibility in design, as well as accuracy in installation. 

PROJECT CREDITS 

Client 

The Institute of Technical Education (ITE) 

Architect 

RSP Architects Planners & Engineers (Pte) Ltd 

Structural Engineer 

RSP Architects Planners & Engineers (Pte) Ltd 

M&E Engineer 

Squire Mech Pte Ltd 

Landscape Consultant 

Grant Associates 

Main Contractor 

Kajima Overseas Asia Pte Ltd 


31

PROJECT APPLICATION 

Floating on glass 

After five years of restoration work, the famous Cutty Sark clipper ship is now part of a 

museum in London, England. The vessel is located on the riverside, 3 m above ground. Spaces 

surrounding its hull, and below it, are covered by a glass canopy, and accommodate a gallery, 

food & beverage outlets and other amenities. 

Mapei’s products were used to install the floor and wall finishes in some of these areas. 

The restored Cutty Sark 

The Cutty Sark was built in 1869. It was designed by Hercules 

Linton for the London shipowner John Willis who wanted a 

merchant vessel capable of winning the China to Great Britain 

sailing race. This was an annual event, with the title going to the 

first ship to bring back a cargo of the new harvest of tea. History 

threw a spanner in the works, however, with the inauguration 

of the Suez Canal in the same year. It proved to be a historychanging 

event, allowing the faster, more agile steam ships to gain 

supremacy by going through the Mediterranean without having 

to circumnavigate Africa, and so shorten the route between the 

Indies and Europe. 

The Cutty Sark continued to challenge the other ‘tea clippers’ 

(a term used for the very fast sailing ships of the time, with 

three or more masts and a square rig, carrying their cargo of 

tea) until 1885, when it was used to carry wool from far-off 

Australia to Great Britain. The Cutty Sark managed to carry out 

the Sydney to London crossing in just 73 days, making it even 

quicker than the first steam ships. The Cutty Sark was then sold 

to the Portuguese, until it was finally recovered and brought 

back home in the 1920s, when the widow of the last owner 

donated it to the Incorporated Thames Nautical College for use 

as a training ship for naval cadets. 

In 1954, the Cutty Sark was put on show to the general public 

in the port of Greenwich on the banks of the River Thames, and 

became such a famous, popular tourist attraction that it was 

considered a monument to Britain’s cultural and architectural 

heritage. 

In 2007, the ship was seriously damaged by a fire, but fortunately, 

because of previous restoration work, the masts, equipment for 

the sails and part of the structure below deck had been removed. 

The ship’s three decks, however, were seriously damaged. 

On the 25th of April this year, following complex rebuilding 

work costing more than £ 50 million, the new Cutty Sark was 



officially inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of 

Edinburgh. The inauguration took place in what is a remarkable 

year for Great Britain. In 2012, the nation is celebrating the 

Queen’s Diamond Jubilee (Her Majesty’s 60-year reign, a record 

previously held only by Queen Victoria) and the tremendous 

success of the 2012 Summer Olympics (held from 27 July to 

12 August) and the 2012 Summer Paralympics (held from 29 

August to 9 September). 

Cutty Sark museum 

Highlights of English architect Sir Nicholas Grimshaw’s 

restoration of the Cutty Sark and design of the museum include 

a glass canopy which surrounds the side of the hull as if it were 

sea water. And instead of floating on the waters of the Thames, 

the sailing ship has been raised 3 m off the ground - a feat of 

engineering which allows visitors to actually walk under the ship 

and admire the elegant lines of its hull, and get a close-up view 

of the keel. 

Under the hull, there is an interactive exhibition where visitors 

can discover the history of the sailing ship. It is also possible 

to visit the ship itself, from the deck to the hold, and even the 

berths where the sailors slept. 

The entrance to the Cutty Sark is in the glass gallery which also 

leads to the museum, the cafeteria and the restaurant located 

under the stern of the ship. 

The original spirit of the Cutty Sark has been preserved, following 

an intervention, lasting five years, that can be considered as one 

of the most complex conservation projects ever carried out on 

a historical ship. 

The Cutty Sark sits on a glass base, allowing visitors to admire the hull and keel. 


33


Contribution by Mapei 

Mapei has put its mark on the new chapter in the life of this threemasted 

clipper, by supplying products to install approximately 

1000 m 2 of porcelain tiles (measuring 120 cm x 60 cm, 60 cm x 

60 cm and 60 cm x 30 cm) produced by Domus. 

Mapei’s KERAFLEX adhesive was recommended for installing 

the floor and wall tiles in the reception area, the bathrooms 

and the cafeteria area. This is a cementitious adhesive ideal for 

bonding all types of ceramic tiles, mosaics and stone (that is not 

sensitive to dampness) on internal and external walls and floors. 

KERAFLEX has particularly good thixotropic properties, may be 

applied on vertical surfaces without the tiles slipping, bonds well 

to all materials, hardens without noticeable shrinkage, and has 

extended open time. 

Mapei’s ULTRACOLOR PLUS high performance mortar in 299 

limestone colour shade was then used to grout the joints. This 

anti-efflorescence, quick-setting and drying, polymer-modified 

mortar is recommended for grouting joints that are 2 mm to 

20 mm wide. It also incorporates BioBlock technology which 

reduces the formation of mould and DropEffect technology 

which makes the joints water-repellent. 

Enquiry No: 10/101 

Porcelain tiles were installed on floors and walls in various areas, using KERAFLEX. 



ULTRACOLOR PLUS anti-efflorescence mortar was used to grout the floor joints. 

KERAFLEX 

KERAFLEX is an improved (2), slip resistant (T), 

cementitious adhesive (C) with extended open time (E), 

that is categorised as class C2TE, according to EN 12004 

standard. It is ideal for interior and exterior bonding of 

ceramic and porcelain tiles, stone materials and mosaics 

of every type, on floors, walls and ceilings. 

KERAFLEX is also suitable for spot bonding of insulating 

materials such as expanded polystyrene, rock and glass 

wool, Eraclit, sound-deadening/reduction panels etc. 

KERAFLEX is a grey or white powder composed of 

cement and graded aggregates. When mixed with water, 

it turns into a mortar which is easily workable, is highly 

thixotropic, and has an extended open time. It adheres 

well to all materials normally used in building; it hardens 

without appreciable shrinkage. 

As it has a low VOC emission level, KERAFLEX is 

EMICODE EC1 R Plus-certified by GEV (the Association 

for the Control of Emissions in Products for Flooring 

Installation, Adhesives and Building Materials). It can 

contribute up to three points towards obtaining LEED 

(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) 

certification. 


Project 

Cutty Sark museum, London (Great Britain) 

Architect 

Grimshaw Architects Ltd 

Contractor 

Ellmer Construction 

Laying of porcelain tiles on the floors of several areas 

Laying company - Stone Concepts Ltd 

Materials used - porcelain tiles from Domus and tile 

installation materials from Mapei 

INTERVENTION BY MAPEI 

Mapei products 

KERAFLEX for laying ceramic tiles and ULTRACOLOR 

PLUS for grouting the joints 

Mapei distributor 

Domus 

Mapei co-ordinator 

Roberto Vigo, Mapei SpA 

Period of intervention 

2011-2012 

Company website 

www. mapei.com 

This editorial feature is based on an article from Realta 

Mapei INTERNATIONAL, Issue 39. All images by Mapei. 


35


Two Liebherr Flat-Top cranes building 

85-storey skyscraper in Mumbai 

The Liebherr 202 EC-B 10 Litronic Flat-Top cranes can lift 5.3 t at 40 m. 

Two Liebherr 202 EC-B 10 Litronic Flat-Top cranes are being 

used to build the two towers of Lokhandwala Minerva in 

Mumbai, an 85-storey supertall skyscraper that will be one of 

the city’s tallest buildings when it is completed in 2015. 

Developed by Lokhandwala Infrastructure, the project is 

designed by Architect Hafeez Contractor, with Leslie E Robertson 

Associates and J+W Consultants as structural engineers and 

construction is being undertaken by Larsen & Toubro (L & T). 

Minerva is located in the Mahalaxmi district of Mumbai, an area 

that previously housed the city’s Victorian-era cotton mills and 

which is now a showpiece area of slum clearance and modern 

development projects. 

The two cranes were supplied to L&T by Liebherr CMCtec 

India Private Ltd and installed on site earlier this year. Both 

cranes were manufactured in Germany. 

Both cranes are being used in an unusual configuration to suit 

the construction sequence. During the planning stages, L&T 

considered using two heavy duty flat/ luffing jib cranes to feed 

the materials as acute space constraints and logistics are the 

biggest challenges on this project. 

Further, there is an existing tower newly built next to the site, 

and running behind the site is a railway line. 

It was determined that the selected tower crane must have high 

speed and a lifting capacity of more than 5 mt and that it should 

be able to climb within the available lift shaft. According to L&T, 

it opted for Liebherr which addressed all the criteria raised for 

the Minerva project. 

The EC-B series is very familiar to L&T, and working with 

Liebherr, specifications and deployment were drawn up, that 

used two 202 EC-B10 units with shorter-than-standard jibs. 

Standard jibs on this model are 65 m, but L&T opted for two 40 

m jibs because of the site constrictions, and one crane has been 

started at a height of 42 m and the other at 48 m, to ensure the 

two jibs overfly each other. 

The 202 EC-B 10, which is a 10 t crane, can lift 5.3 t at 40 m. 

Both cranes have been located inside the lift shafts of the 

buildings and will climb with the structure, which will reach an 

eventual height of 300 m. The crane itself has a maximum hook 

height of 63.1 m. The higher of the two units will be working at 

320 m when the building tops out. 

Minerva has a reinforced concrete frame and floor slabs, and is 

being constructed entirely of in situ concrete. Its facade will be 

applied masonry and curtain wall, and there are 16 lift shafts. 

With 85 storeys above ground, the structure will have only two 

levels below ground. Parking levels will be from the 1 st to the 

10 th floors, there will be a garden podium on the 11 th floor, while 

the 26 th to 83 th floors will be for residential use. There will be 

penthouses and a terrace on the 84 th and 85 th floors. 




Grove cranes building US$ 800 million plant 

in the Philippines 

Seven new Grove rough-terrain cranes from Manitowoc are at 

the heart of construction on one of the largest petrochemical 

plants in the Philippines. The cranes are working among a dense 

network of pipes and machinery to install chimneys and lift 

general construction materials at the US$ 800 million project, 

due for completion later this year. 

Five of the cranes, four RT765E-2s and an RT890E, were bought 

specifically for the project by EEI, one of the largest construction 

companies in the Philippines. The cranes arrived in the country 

in February this year. The two other Grove machines, both 

RT760Es, were rented by EEI from Manitowoc subsidiary MCG 

Inc, to complement the purchased cranes. 

According to EEI, this is a complicated and important project 

where safety is paramount and completing on time is crucial. 

The Grove cranes were selected for their superior quality, 

impressive manoeuvrability and high level of reliability. The 

cranes are powerful units in compact packages. They adapt to 

different demands at the jobsite and are quick to set up on 

uneven ground. Their versatility enables the project to move 

ahead on schedule. 

The five new cranes were shipped to the Philippines from 

Manitowoc’s Shady Grove factory in the US Once on site, 

they were immediately put to work. Their main responsibility 

is to erect chimneys but they are also assisting with general 

construction duties. Among the heaviest loads are large sections 

for the chimneys, which weigh up to 45 t. More complicated lifts 

require the cranes to work in tandem. 

Located in the coastal city of Batanga, south of Manila, the 

project is bordered by sea and mountains. The jobsite offers the 

toughest of conditions, including extreme heat, humidity, uneven 

ground and tight spaces. But this is no problem for the Grove 

cranes or their operators, thanks to a design that includes a 

comfortable cab, four-steering modes and rugged engineering. 

The cranes are working 12 hours a day, six days a week to 

ensure the plant finishes on time. Once work is complete, the 

cranes will transfer to other EEI projects. 

Grove’s RT765E-2 is a 60 t capacity rough-terrain crane with a 

33 m main boom. These cranes were all supplied with 17 m bifold 

swingaway lattice extensions for extra reach. The RT890E 

is a newer model with a capacity of 80 t and a 43 m boom. The 

RT760E is the predecessor to the RT765E-2, and it also has a 33 

m main boom, but maximum capacity is 55 t. 

The plant is a landmark for the Philippines’ petrochemical 

industry as it is the first facility to employ the naptha cracking 

process. Once operational in 2014, the plant will produce 

enough ethylene to serve the country’s requirements and allow 

for exports to countries such as China and Vietnam. 


The Grove cranes were selected for their superior quality, impressive 

manoeuvrability and high level of reliability. 


37

PRODUCTS & SOLUTIONS 

BrainCube from TA Hydronics 

The BrainCube is an intelligent universal control unit for all 

pressurisation and water quality products of TA Hydronics. It has 

a standard operation concept and is the heart of the complete 

TA Hydronics system technology in HVAC (Heating, Ventilation 

and Air-Conditioning) systems. 

The pressurisation range of TA Hydronics includes Compresso, 

Transfero, Vento and Pleno. Compresso and Transfero are 

precision pressure maintenance devices. Vento is used to 

facilitate central degassing and venting of the hydronic system. 

Pleno ensures that the water reserve needed for optimum 

functioning of the expansion vessels is provided at all times. 

The newly developed BrainCube is said to possess tremendous 

intelligence. It controls and monitors all processes for precision 

pressurisation and optionally also for ‘fillsafe’ water make-up and 

‘vacusplit’ degassing functions. 

Operation of the BrainCube is simple and straightforward, 

with its self-explanatory menu navigation, illuminated 8-line 

graphical display and encoder, fully automatic self-optimising 

operation, software updates, multiple language availability and 

memory function. 

TA Hydronics 

TA Hydronics is a leading global provider of and expert 

in hydronic distribution systems and room temperature 

control, with experience acquired from more than 

100,000 completed construction projects worldwide. 

TA Hydronics helps clients by offering products and 

knowledge to optimise the efficiency of their HVAC 

systems at the right energy cost. TA Hydronics is part of the 

international engineering group IMI plc. With a turnover of 

£ 2.13 billion, IMI plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange 

and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index. 

In 2011, TA Hydronics brought together three leading brands 

in the world of hydronic distribution - TA, Pneumatex, and 

Heimeier. Building on its strong foundations, TA Hydronics 

aims to be the most customer-focused, knowledgeable and 

innovative hydronic solutions company in the world. 

TA Hydronics has also set up Hydronic College Training Centres 

around the globe to educate customers about how to optimise 

hydronic systems and draw out the best possible performance, 

cost and energy savings. Topics cover the full spectrum of 

hydronic issues including pressurisation, variable flow systems, 

system controllability, cooling and heating interaction and 

thermostatic room temperature control. 

More information can be obtained from www.tahydronics.com 


Operation of the BrainCube is simple. 

Compresso is a precision pressure maintenance device. 


Conference addresses transport systems and 

medical devices 

The 3 rd TÜV SÜD PSB Testing, Inspection and Certification 

Conference 2012 was held on 13 September 2012, at Regent 

Singapore. 

Organised by TÜV SÜD PSB, the conference, which addressed 

the theme ‘Product & System Assurance for a Safer Tomorrow’, 

focused on transport systems and medical health devices. 

The objectives of the dual-track conference were to enable 

participants acquire the latest information regarding testing 

and inspection procedures and updates on certifications 

and regulations from the team of experts; gain insight on 

methodologies for improving technology and process quality; 

and gather knowledge that would enable them to meet 

specifications, which would in turn save time and reduce project 

and business risks. 

In a Welcome Address, Mr Chong Weng Hoe, Chief Executive 

Officer, TÜV SÜD PSB, spoke of the importance of the 

transportation and healthcare sectors and the challenges they 

face, and emphasised the need to ensure the high quality of the 

products and solutions. 

“Today’s transportation systems are facing challenges associated 

with rising population growth, urbanisation, pressure to reduce 

carbon emissions, growth in fuel demand, traffic congestions and 

ageing transport infrastructure. Governments are increasingly 

turning to rail as an intelligent form of transport and an efficient 

way to decongest, clean and green cities. With the evolution of 

new technology, we are now seeing more advanced versions 

of railways like metros and monorails in cities”, Mr Chong said. 

“As with all machines and systems, rails can be subjected to 

wear and tear and breakdowns which can be disruptive, 

costly and counter-productive. The safety, availability, reliability 

and maintainability of the rail system become very important 

considerations in ensuring its success as an efficient mass people 

and cargo-mover solution”, he added. 

On the healthcare front, Mr Chong said that quality and safety 

remain vital in today’s dynamic and highly competitive healthcare 

and medical device industry. 

“Breakthroughs driven by innovation in medical device 

development are recorded every day and to stay on top of 

the market, each new product must achieve regulatory approval 

and market entry. This requires an innovative process that 

reduces product development time and ensures consistently 

high performance”, Mr Chong said. 

The conference featured a line-up of distinguished speakers 

who discussed various topics within the two subject areas. 

Presentations were made by, among others, Mr Bernie Neo, 

Director, Infinitus Law Corporation, on ‘Understanding the Legal 

Liabilities to Ensure Product & System Assurances’; Assoc Prof 

Tan Cher Ming, School of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, 

Nanyang Technological University, on ‘Recent Developments in 

Reliability and Maintainability for Product and System Assurance’; 

EVENTS 

Mr Sven Nowak, Vice President, TÜV SÜD Rail, on ‘Functional 

Safety Requirements for Rail Systems’; Mr Paul Tan, Senior 

Principal Consultant, Healthcare, TÜV SÜD PSB, on ‘Taking 

Medical Devices from Design to Commercialisation’; Ms Li Yang, 

Assistant Vice President, Chemical Centre, TÜV SÜD PSB, on 

‘How to Ensure Biocompatibility of Your Medical Devices’; and 

Dr Deng Junhong, Vice President, Electrical & Electronics, TÜV 

SÜD PSB, on ‘Electromagnetic Compatibility of Medical Devices’. 

Close to 150 delegates from the ASEAN region, representing 

a range of organisations includingmanufacturers, healthcare 

organisations, transportation companies, government agencies, 

academia, and research organisations, attended the conference. 

Mr Chong Weng Hoe 

Assoc Prof Tan Cher Ming 

Mr Paul Tan 

Dr Deng Junhong 

Mr Bernie Neo 

Mr Sven Nowak 

Ms Li Yang 

The conference was held at Regent 

Singapore. 


39

EVENTS 

Bentley Systems holds seminar on 

transportation solutions 

Software provider Bentley Systems believes that in an era 

dominated by the acute shortage of skilled engineering 

professionals and an increase in project and operational costs, 

innovative solutions addressing and integrating every aspect of 

the transportation lifecycle are becoming critical and central to 

the success of every business. 

For this reason and as part of its ongoing commitment to the 

Asia Pacific region, the company held a seminar on 11 September 

2012 at Peninsula Excelsior Hotel Singapore. 

The morning session on ‘Transportation Engineering Information 

Management’ provided a review of information mobility for 

intelligent infrastructure as it traverses through the transportation 

lifecycle. The subjects addressed included ‘Information Mobility 

for Today and Tomorrow’, ‘GIS for Transportation’, ‘ProjectWise 

for the Transportation Sector’, ‘Operations and Maintenance 

for the Transportation Sector’, and ‘EIM in Action - The UK’s 

Crossrail Project’. 

The afternoon session on ‘Engineering Design Solutions for 

Transportation Projects’ provided a review of Bentley Systems’ 

information modelling capabilities across a range of applications, 

with presentations designed especially for transportation-related 

disciplines. The subjects addressed included ‘Data Acquisition’, 

‘OpenRoads’, ‘Rail Solutions’, ‘BrIM (Bridge Information 

Modelling)’, ‘Visualisation’, ‘Building and Structural Solutions’, 

‘Water Management’ and ‘Electrical and Signalling’. 

Mr Jugal Makwana, Product Manager, Transportation, Bentley 

Systems, spoke on ‘Information Mobility for Today and 

Tomorrow’, ‘OpenRoads (MX & InRoads)’, and ‘The Rail and 

Transit Solution for the Railways of Tomorrow’. Presentations 

were made by Mr Beh Boonheng, Senior Application 

Engineer, Bentley Systems, on ‘GIS for Transportation’ and 

‘Data Acquisition & Terrain Models & Point Clouds’. Mr David 

Thomason, Industry Solutions Director, Transportation, Bentley 

Systems, spoke on ‘Operations & Maintenance’ and ‘EIM in 

Action - The UK’s Crossrail Project’. 

Presentations were also made by Mr John Aniceto, Senior 

Account Manager, Bentley Systems, on ‘ProjectWise for the 

Transportation Sector (Design & Construction)’; Mr Dave Body, 

Solutions Executive, Bentley Systems, on ‘ BrIM (Bridge Information 

Modelling); Mr Sheik Dawood, Industry Solutions Manager, Bentley 

Systems, on ‘Building/structural for transportation projects - 

AECOsim’; Mr Peter Wong, Structural Manager, Bentley Systems, 

on ‘Building/structural for transportation projects - Structural’; 

and Mr John Zwerlein, Director, Sales Support Electrical 

Products, Bentley Systems, on ‘Electrical/signalling raceway and 

cable management’. 

Close to 70 delegates, including technical directors, design 

engineers, managers, BIM managers, and researchers, attended 

the event. 

Bentley Systems 

Bentley Systems is a global leader dedicated to providing 

architects, engineers, geospatial professionals, constructors, 

and owner-operators with comprehensive software solutions 

for sustaining infrastructure. The company’s mission is to 

empower its users to leverage information modelling through 

integrated projects for high-performing intelligent infrastructure. 

Its solutions encompass the MicroStation platform for 

infrastructure design and modelling, the ProjectWise platform 

for infrastructure project team collaboration and work sharing, 

and the AssetWise platform for infrastructure asset operations 

- all supporting a broad portfolio of interoperable applications 

and complemented by worldwide professional services. 

The Singapore Engineer 

Products & Solutions Enquiry Form 

Product Information 

I wish to receive more information on the following 

products that were featured in this issue of ‘The Singapore 

Engineer’ magazine. 

Please list the enquiry number(s) of the product(s) that 

you are interested in. (Information is provided free-ofcharge 

to all readers) 

________________________________________________ 

Full Name: (Dr/Mr/Mrs/Ms/Er) ________________________ 

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email Jeremy@iesnet.org.sg. 



41

NEWS 

Construction underway on world’s largest 

dome roof 

The dome of the new National Stadium will provide shade and shelter to the 55,000 seats within and the surrounding non-ticketed community spaces. 

The construction of the ultra-thin 310 m wide steel dome roof 

for Singapore’s new National Stadium has recently commenced, 

according to an announcement from Arup, the global design, 

engineering and business consultancy. The firm is responsible 

for the design and engineering of the sports venue within the 

Singapore Sports Hub. 

Set to be the largest dome roof in the world, the simple 

geometric form of the new National Stadium will be juxtaposed 

against the ‘inverted peak’ roof of the Singapore Indoor Stadium, 

to create one of Singapore’s most impressive skylines. 

The dome will provide shade and shelter to the 55,000-seat 

stadium and surrounding non-ticketed community spaces and 

will be the only stadium in the world, custom-built to host 

football, rugby, cricket, and athletic events all in one venue. The 

west end of the stadium which is open, will provide breathtaking 

views across the city and provide the perfect setting for 

Singapore’s National Day Parade which is slated to be hosted 

annually within the venue. 

Said Mr Clive Lewis, Arup’s Lead Sports Venue Designer for 

the Singapore Sports Hub, “The tropical climate in Singapore 

poses a challenge in the design of the National Stadium. People 

will only enjoy the stadium experience if the environmental 

conditions are right. We wanted to keep the rain and heat 

out, but we also wanted it to be an open and dynamic space. 

After extensive research into comfort expectations and energy 

in use, we realised that a naturally ventilated stadium with 

localised cooling gave us the best solution for the local climate 

in Singapore. By incorporating a moving roof, the stadium will be 

further protected from the harsh climatic conditions, allowing 

events to be hosted during the hottest parts of the day”. 

The 20,000 m 2 moving roof will be clad with a multi-layer 

ETFE (Ethylene Tetra Fluoro Ethylene) pillow and incorporate 

a matrix of LED lights, making it one of the largest addressable 

LED screens in the world. 

The moving roof is supported by the fixed roof dome structure 

with a clear span of 310 m. The architectural design and engineering 

of this structure was done using advanced parametric modelling 

software, as well as in-house software that Arup developed 

specifically for the project. This optimised information exchange 

among the architects, engineers and contractors. 

The result is a super-efficient shell dome structure, with a total 

steel weight of 8,057 mt. At a structural weight of just over 100 

kg/m 2 , this would be considered efficient even for a roof that 

was half this span. 

“The construction of the National Stadium is the launch pad 

for many other key elements in the project. It will be Asia’s only 

event site with the technology, capacity and services to cater 

to residents, overseas visitors, sports professionals and global 

artists, 365 days a year”, said Mr Mark Collins, Vice President 


NEWS 

and Managing Director of Global Spectrum Asia Pte Ltd. The 

company is one of eight project partners of the SportsHub Pte 

Ltd Consortium, four of whom are equity partners - Dragages 

Singapore Pte Ltd, Infrared Capital Partners, UGL Services, and 

Global Spectrum Asia. 

To-date, Singapore Sports Hub is the largest sports infrastructure 

Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) project in the world. In line 

with the Singapore Sports Council’s Vision 2030 master plan, 

Singapore Sports Hub will offer one and all the opportunity 

and access to live better through sports. It will be a platform for 

national athletes to hone their sporting talents and for inspiring 

the community to participate in sports. 

With local firm DP Architects as master planners, Singapore 

Sports Hub is designed within a natural landscape that is linked 

to an island-wide park connector system. 

Aside from the National Stadium, the S$ 1.33 billion Singapore 

Sports Hub will be home to: 

• A 3,000-capacity indoor world competition standard Aquatic 

Centre which can be expanded to a 6,000-capacity venue for 

specific events. 

• A 3,000-capacity Multi Purpose Indoor Arena (MPIA) which 

will be scalable and flexible in layout. 

• 41,000 m 2 of commercial retail space. 

• A Water Sports Centre catering to elite athletes as well as 

the public. 

• The existing 12,000-capacity Singapore Indoor Stadium. 

• A Sports Information & Resource Centre (SIRC), with sports 

library and museum. 

Construction of the Singapore Sports Hub is expected to be 

completed by 2014. 

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS AND 

SOLUTIONS 

The Singapore National Stadium will form the centre-piece of 

the new Singapore Sports Hub, and lies at the heart of the 

35 ha sports precinct. The stadium’s moveable roof and the 

incorporation of bowl cooling ensure spectator comfort, and a 

moveable lower-tier provides optimised viewing for a range of 

sporting events. 

The masterplan of the Singapore Sports Hub with the National Stadium in the 

central location. 

The design concept 

When approaching the initial design for the National Stadium, 

there were several design drivers that were considered. 

The local climate, the site location and the proposed event 

programme were all key to the decision to develop the iconic 

dome envelope. 

In Singapore, the tropical climate creates a major challenge in 

the design of large public buildings and for a stadium, it required 

a unique architectural response. The public have to be protected 

from sun and rain both inside and outside the stadium. In 

wet weather, a covered space outside the stadium will allow 

spectators to gather before or after an event and provide them 

with dry routes to all means of transport. It was realised early on 

that a dome was structurally the most efficient form to achieve 

the extended spans required to cover this area. 

In addition, the design brief had asked for a retractable roof to 

provide shade to the spectators during events, and calculations 

showed that less steel would be added to support the moving 

roof using a dome structure than would be required with a 

cantilever roof structure. 

Externally, the key master plan objective was to find a form 

for the stadium roof that would complement the existing, 

architecturally iconic Singapore Indoor Stadium (SIS) building, 

and the dome won on this score as well. 

The stadium, with its huge dome, besides hosting sports 

and athletic events, will also provide a dramatic setting for 

concerts and provide a projection surface for interactive 

sound and light displays. 

Integration of bowl and roof 

The combination of sporting events that will be held at the 

venue, presented a challenge when designing the 55,000-seat 

stadium bowl, because it has to suit the optimised viewing 

requirement for each of these events and at the same time 

minimise the footprint of the roof dome. 

The design brief required the lower tier bowl to be retractable 

and for spectators in all tiers to benefit from an energy-efficient 

cooling system that would allow the venue to host events at any 

time of the day. 

The development of the cross-section of the seating bowl was 

central to this, in seeking to maximise the benefit of introducing 

a moving tier system. Studies were made of similar stadiums 

around the world, that integrated a moving tier system - from 

Australia to Japan and Europe. 

Detailed analysis was done of existing stadiums that incorporated 

a permanent athletics track and a moving tier system. Assessment 

of these stadiums indicated that they tended to be biased either 

towards football or athletics viewing, and did not achieve the 

best balance for both, in the same bowl design. 

The target was to ensure that the best balance between the two 

different viewing criteria (for athletics and football matches), was 

achieved. Accordingly, a section profile was developed, which 


43

NEWS 

The National Stadium and the Singapore Indoor Stadium. 

located more than half of the stadium seats within the lower tier 

bowl, with 30,000 seats located in retractable seating modules 

that can be moved 12.5 m closer to the football pitch. 

Using its in-house parametric bowl generation software to 

complete these optimisation studies, Arup was able to arrive at 

a 3D form for the bowl and at the same time study the impact 

of reducing the geometry of the stadium roof. The final design 

for the bowl made it possible to reduce the long span of the 

dome, currently being constructed by Dragages Singapore on 

site, to 310 m. 

Parametric design: roof architecture and structure 

The architectural design and engineering of the stadium roof 

would not have been possible without the use of the latest 

3D modelling software. The Arup design team realised that 

the successful delivery of the roof structure needed a fully 

integrated approach to the architectural and structural design. 

To this end, a specialist team within the firm was tasked with 

developing bespoke software to manage inputs from the various 

design software used in the design process. An iterative process 

was required as inputs from different software took the roof 

through a range of design processes, from geometry generation 

to structural analysis. 

The different members of the Arup design team wanted a 

feedback loop, so that one software could inform another of 

defined positions, co-ordinates and dimensions for the roof 

elements. And so from the outset, a common interface was 

established, to allow the parametric intelligence established in 

Digital Project, Rhinoceros or Oasys GSA to be transferred 

from one software to another. Through this integrated design 

approach, a set of shared parameters was established, that would 

govern the roof structure and influence the visible architecture. 

The initial target was to reduce steel weight by leveraging the 

inherent efficiencies of the shell roof form. One of the outcomes 

of this was the reduction in the depth of the primary structure 

as it came to ground. Two control surfaces were established to 

The interiors of corporate suites. 

Parametric model of the stadium roof. Image by Arup. 


NEWS 

A 3D visualisation of moving roof, fixed roof cladding, scuppers, truss legs 

and louvres. 

define this - a sphere for the top and a torus for the bottom 

surface - with the roof structure reducing from a maximum 

depth of 5 m at the centre of the dome to 2.5 m at the base. This 

optimised structural solution provided an architectural benefit 

at ground level as the proportions of the structure reduced to 

something more in keeping with the human scale. 

Other shared objectives were set, such as simplifying the 

detailing of all complex node intersections across the entire roof 

and developing a standardised family of node details that could 

be replicated wherever possible. This required an update to the 

geometry of the roof, to achieve a more symmetrical design 

than the competition-winning roof geometry. An additional 

parallel truss was added, the main gutter trusses were realigned, 

the geometry of the roof opening was adjusted and the diagonal 

trusses were simplified. 

The parametric model was used to control a multitude of 

other relationships between elements, which would not have 

been achieved, using conventional software. Each parameter 

was treated in the same way - structural and architectural 

requirements were considered, an optimised parameter agreed 

on and inserted into the geometric control model for the roof. 

And so, over a matter of months, a fully editable 3D model of 

the stadium roof was completed, which defined every constraint 

imposed on the roof and could be used independently by every 

member of the team. 

The architectural treatment of the stadium roof cladding has 

been developed to clearly express the design and geometry 

of the structure and at the same time meet the environmental 

performance requirements to ensure spectator comfort within 

the stadium. 

For the moving roof, the desire was for a lightweight cladding 

system that provided shade to the seating bowl and reduced 

solar heat gain. At the same time, the moving roof has to appear 

translucent and create a naturally lit event space during the day. 

The multi-layer ETFE pillow met these design requirements and 

at the same time provided the opportunity to illuminate the 

moving roof at night. 

The main areas of the roof dome are clad in a profiled 

aluminum rain screen cladding system while the structure is 

expressed using a recessed smooth panelised cladding system. 

These recessed scupper areas are integrated into the night time 

illumination of the roof with LED node lighting. 

At the lower part of the roof, a giant louvre zone provides a 

naturally ventilated sun- and rain- protected zone outside of 

Internal rendering of stadium bowl. 


45

NEWS 

the stadium, called the Sports Promenade. Clad in PTFE (Poly 

Tetra Fluoro Ethylene) fabric, these giant louvres align to the 

floor levels within the stadium, to allow views to the outside. 

For rain protection, a 30º overlap between each louvre was also 

required. Optimisation software was used to achieve the best fit 

for these constraints and at the same time minimise the physical 

area of louvre fabric. 

Sustainable design 

Sustainability has been central to the design of the Singapore 

Sports Hub since the outset. The site location is close to the centre 

of Singapore and benefits from access to two Mass Rapid Transit 

(MRT) stations. So at a macro level, the best efforts have been 

made to minimise the environmental impact of this sports precinct. 

The initial challenge was to make the stadium as efficient as 

possible in energy terms. Passive design solutions were targeted 

first - shading to seating, insulation to roof cladding, and giant 

louvres meant that solar heat gain to the interior of the stadium 

was reduced. 

Consideration was then given to reducing the peak energy 

demand for the bowl cooling system which was required to 

meet the comfort criteria set out in the design brief. There were 

two main decisions to be made - first, whether to fully enclose 

the roof to achieve the comfort criteria required, and second, 

whether to utilise an ‘under seat’ or an ‘overhead’ cooling system. 

Preliminary analysis showed that ‘under seat’ cooling would 

provide the best solution in terms of spectator comfort and 

the decision over whether to fully enclose the stadium envelope 

was quickly made based on energy use. When the design was 

benchmarked against existing stadiums in Japan and the US, it 

became clear that the naturally ventilated stadium bowl with 

localised cooling will use a fraction of the energy used by an 

equivalent, fully enclosed stadium. 

With the stadium at the centre of the precinct, an efficient 

solution is needed to balance the intermittent energy 

demands of the stadium with the everyday energy demands 

Bowl cooling for spectator comfort. Image by Arup. 

of the surrounding buildings and it was necessary to explore 

the benefits of integrating the systems serving both. The final 

design solution integrates thermal storage tanks into the design, 

which are pre-cooled before an event and allow for the peak 

demands of the stadium seating to be met from the same plant 

that provides the everyday cooling to the adjacent office, retail, 

indoor arena and aquatics centre. 

The additional energy required to switch on the bowl cooling 

for a stadium event will be offset by energy harnessed 

throughout the year from a large photovoltaic array, meaning 

that the operation of the bowl cooling in the stadium will have 

a zero carbon impact on the environment. The SportsHub 

Consortium’s dedication to achieving a sustainable design for 

the stadium and the Singapore Sports Hub precinct has been 

rewarded, with the project winning a BCA Green Mark Gold PLUS 

Award from Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority at 

BCA AWARDS 2012. 

Information for this article was provided by Arup, through 

a press release, and through a brochure on the National 

Stadium, authored by Mr Clive Lewis, Arup’s Lead Sports 

Venue Designer for the Singapore Sports Hub. 

All images by Singapore Sports Hub / Oaker, unless 

otherwise stated. 


Project 

Singapore Sports Hub 

Shareholders and partners 

Infrared Capital Partners – Majority Equity Partner 

Dragages Singapore – Equity Partner / Design & Build Contractor 

Global Spectrum Asia (in association with Pico) – Equity Partner / Venue Operator 

UGL Services – Equity Partner / Facility Manager 

World Sports Group – Commercial Rights and Sports Programming Partner 

Design team 

Arup – Sports Venue Design and Engineering 

DP Architects – Master Plan and Non-Sport Architecture 

AECOM – Landscape Design 


Tiong Seng wins contract to build terrace 

houses in Serangoon Garden 

Artist’s impression of HAUS@SERANGOON GARDEN. 

Mainboard-listed Tiong Seng Holdings Limited recently 

announced that its subsidiary, Tiong Seng Contractors (Pte) Ltd, 

has been awarded the contract to build 97 terrace houses with 

five bedrooms, family/entertainment areas, attics and basements, 

in Serangoon Garden. The project will be jointly developed by 

City Developments Limited (CDL) and Hong Realty (Private) Ltd. 

Occupying a large site area of over 300,000 ft 2 (28,000 m 2 ), 

HAUS@SERANGOON GARDEN redefines the standard of 

luxury landed living by offering buyers a chance to customise 

certain areas of the house such as the front porch and side 

garden. In addition, it offers a host of environmentally sustainable 

features that could help save up to 40% on the utilities bills, 

depending on household usage patterns. It is the first landed 

NEWS 

residential development in Singapore to incorporate a 1 kilowattpeak 

photovoltaic system using solar panels to generate electricity 

for the family refrigerator, and recover waste heat generated from 

airconditioners for the provision of hot water to all bathrooms within 

the house. HAUS@SERANGOON GARDEN’s comprehensive 

passive green design strategically utilises the orientation of each 

home to maximise ventilation and minimise heat gain. Every home 

is also equipped with a rain harvesting system to reduce use of 

potable water, thereby saving on water bills as well. 

The project is expected to commence in December 2012. 

A leader in green construction and a winner of BCA’s ‘Built 

Enviroment Leadership’ and ‘Green and Gracious Builder’ 

Awards, Tiong Seng has chalked up an impressive track record 

in constructing green buildings in Singapore, including the 

Tree House, Parc Emily, Tribeca, Volari and Wharf Residence 

Condominium, among others. 

Said Mr Pek Lian Guan, CEO of Tiong Seng Holdings Limited, 

“We are excited at being awarded yet another environmentally 

sustainable residential project by CDL - the first-of-its-kind for 

landed housing. Having constructed a strong portfolio of green 

buildings in Singapore, Tiong Seng has amassed solid experience 

and expertise in green and sustainable construction”. 


47

NEWS 

Structural steel specialist 

TTJ clinches Jurong Island 

contracts totalling S$ 36 million 

TTJ Holdings Limited (TTJ or together with its subsidiaries, the 

‘group’) recently announced that it has clinched new projects 

for structural steelworks on Jurong Island, amounting to 

approximately S$ 36 million. 

One of these projects will involve the supply, fabrication, delivery 

and installation of structural steelworks for the SLNG Terminal’s 

secondary and tertiary jetties. Testament to the group’s 

established track record as a quality provider of structural 

steelworks, this constitutes additional work awarded by Samsung 

C&T Corporation soon after TTJ’s recent completion of work 

for the terminal’s primary jetty, a contract which was awarded in 

the last quarter of 2010, also by Samsung. 

Currently, TTJ also has an ongoing project with Samsung 

pertaining to the supply, fabrication and installation of structural 

steelworks for the third tank and piperacks at the terminal. 

The group has also secured a contract for another 

project which involves the supply, fabrication, delivery and 

installation of structural steelworks for a new Methionine 

Plant on Jurong Island which is set to be operational by the 

third quarter of 2014. 

Said TTJ’s Chairman and Managing Director, Mr Teo Hock 

Chwee, ‘These additional works that we have secured for the 

SLNG Terminal project speak well for TTJ’s reputation as a 

preferred structural steelworks provider, as well as the trust and 

confidence of our clients on our ability to continuously deliver 

consistent quality work. We are very pleased to be working on 

such milestone projects, and both of our factories, in Malaysia 

and Singapore, will maintain busy production schedules for quite 

some time with the addition of these new contracts’. 

TTJ secures S$ 38 million in 

MRT Downtown Line 3 and 

industrial projects 

TTJ Holdings Limited (TTJ or together with its subsidiaries, 

the ‘group’) has secured several MRT Downtown Line 3 and 

industrial projects totalling approximately S$ 38 million. 

The company secured four new contracts for the supply and 

installation of civil defence shelter doors for the MRT Downtown 

Line 3 project at Tampines West Station (Contract 926), Bedok 

Reservoir Station (Contract 927), Bedok Town Park Station 

(Contract 928) and Macpherson Station (Contract 931). Last 

year, the group had announced two civil defence shelter door 

contracts for the MRT Downtown Line 3 project - at Kallang 

Bahru Station (Contract 932A) and Tampines Central Station 

(Contract 925A). These are in addition to all the civil defence 

shelter door contracts which the group previously secured for 

all the stations of the MRT Downtown Line 2 project. The group 

was also awarded a project (Contract 1685) for the supply, 

fabrication, delivery and installation of structural steelworks for 

the Tuas West MRT Extension Depot. 

Said TTJ’s Chairman and Managing Director, Mr Teo Hock 

Chwee, “We are very happy to secure these contracts and 

particularly pleased that TTJ is the market leader for the supply 

of civil defence shelter doors”. 

In addition, TTJ also secured projects on Jurong Island for the 

supply, fabrication and installation of structural steelworks, 

including two contracts relating to the building of a new salicylate 

manufacturing facility for Infineum which is a world-class 

formulator, manufacturer and marketer of petroleum additives. 

CSC expands Singapore office 

CSC has invested heavily in the Singapore market and 

the company’s range of structural engineering design and 

calculation software has proven to be very popular with 

local structural engineers. 

In response to the growth of its business and in order to 

continue meeting the needs of its customers, CSC has 

expanded its office space. 

The new premises will enable CSC to employ more 

staff in more comfortable surroundings, and they will be 

able to provide quicker technical support and service to 

customers. The activities in the new office will include 

regular product demonstrations, training and project 

consultancy. 

CSC’s new address is Civil & Structural Computing (Asia) 

Pte Ltd, 16 Collyer Quay #21-00, Singapore 049318. 

Tel: +65 6258 3700. Fax: +65 6258 3721..Email: sales@ 

cscworld.com (telephone and other contact details 

remain the same). Information on CSC’s products and 

services may be obtained from www.cscworld.com. 

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX 

INFOCOM & SECURITY SYSTEMS ––––––––––– PAGE 9 

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KEPPEL FELS LIMITED ––––––––––––––––– PAGE 24 & 25 

MANCHESTER BUSINESS –– –– OUTSIDE BACK COVER 

SCHOOL 

MAPEI FAR EAST –––––––––––––– INSIDE BACK COVER 

NYC SYSTEM ENGINEERING PTE LTD ––––––– PAGE 47 

PHILIPS ELECTRONICS ––––––– INSIDE FRONT COVER 

TA HYDRONICS –––––––––––––––––––––––––– PAGE 5 

TAYLOR & FRANCIS ––––––––––––––––––––– – PAGE 41 

WORLD ENGINEERS’ SUMMIT –––––––––––––– PAGE 11

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