Sometimes the need for additional living quarters for offshore installations and vessels can come out of nowhere. As a provider of offshore accommodation modules, Special Services RedGuard has had to deploy our modules to meet our customers' needs at the drop of a hat.

Our experience with providing these modules to both offshore and onshore locations has given us insight into when our customers need this type of equipment and how it should be constructed and deployed.

When are fast deploying accommodation modules needed?

The need for accommodation modules that can be transported quickly and installed on location can come from a range of different conditions. When issues arise that require additional crew to be housed on offshore locations, the quicker the temporary housing can get there, the better. Most offshore installations have a 24/7 operation schedule, and the cost of downtime or unplanned interruptions in production can have significant cost impacts. Natural disasters can also require quick deployment for housing, offices, and control centers. Offshore and on land, they have been used to house crews repairing damage caused by hurricanes or add separate housing if a quarantine protocol is needed. Another common need is when offshore supply vessels (OSV) or barges are chartered for project support but don’t have the necessary berthing on board to accommodate the total personnel required for the project. Having a fleet of pre-approved modules with design certification allows companies to quickly deploy assets and outfit offshore facilities without facing project delays or schedule impacts due to certifications.

Multiple Certifications Enable Hassle-Free Deployment

For offshore locations, not having the correct certification can stop a fast deployment dead in its tracks. In the offshore market, many different certifications can be required. The part of the world the project is located in can determine the governing agency over that project, and the different agencies can require different certifications to be met.

Another consideration is where the modules are going to be placed. Modules going on a vessel will need to meet specific certifications that modules on a fixed platform will not have to meet. The placement of the modules on the deck can also require additional certification if they are placed in hazardous areas.

Having modules with certifications that meet multiple global standards is key to enabling fast deployment to offshore locations. These certifications include:

• ABS USCG
• DNV 2.7-1 DNV 2.7-2
• EN 12079 SOLAS
• IMO UK HSE
• CE Marked A60

Office and Workshop Modules are often deployed into hazardous areas and along with the above-listed certifications, they should also have:

• Division 1 Zone 1
• Division 2 Zone 2

Most Common Fast Deployment Modules

1. Accommodation Modules

Due to square footage requirements, these modules typically come approved to accommodate specific personnel or capacity requirements. Typical modules sleep anywhere from 1 to 12 personnel per unit. The beds are all equipped with privacy curtains and lockers for storing clothing and other personal items. The sizing of the sleeping modules also varies by the number of beds they hold. Typical footprints for portable accommodation modules range from 20’L x 8’W to 42’L x 12’W. These modules also come with wet units that include showers, toilets, and sinks. The larger sized units, eight-person and twelve-person, come with multiple wet units to provide adequate utilities for the higher number of people living in the module. These standard accommodation modules are packaged together to meet the required bed count of the project.

2. Support Modules

The most common fast deployment modules found within the industry are the galley, diner, office, medic/sickbay, and laundry.

Galley Module – This module provides all the culinary essentials necessary to keep a workforce fed. This includes a fully functional kitchen with all stainless-steel commercial grade appliances.

Dining Module – Often paired with a galley module, the diner module provides a table and seating for meals. The galley and diner modules can be linked together through internal corridors, so there is easy movement between the two without having to exit the modules.

Office – This module provides desk space with storage. It can also come as an open conference-style room with a large table in the center for meetings and conference calls.

Medic/Sickbay - This module provides additional medical or quarantine space to support added crew for the project. This space can help mitigate the risk of spreading infectious diseases or give space to administer first aid.

Laundry - Usually divided into two rooms, the laundry module enables the crew to clean their clothing onsite. One room is equipped with washers and dryers, as well as counter space for folding. The second room is generally an additional office, recreation space, or storage space.

3. Specific Office & Workshop Modules

These modules are typically utilized independently but occasionally are included in a larger package with multiple modules. They are also often located in hazardous locations and subject to more stringent certifications as listed above. Because of the tight space on the decks where these modules are installed, they are typically built to smaller dimensions; 20'L x 8'W, 16'L x 8'W, and 12'L x 8'W are the most common sizes.

Office & Lab Modules - Also known as engineering cabins, these modules protect people and equipment in more hazardous locations. These are often set up for office space, data acquisition, and lab applications.

Mud Logging Modules – These are similar to the office modules but with some specific additions to help with the mud logging process utilized when drilling for oil. They come with equipment like a fully functioning sink, built-in ovens, and vent hoods.  

Workshop Modules – Set up with a steel workbench, vices, tool hangers, and storage racks, these modules provide all the necessities to keep a maintenance crew working.

4. Auxiliary Equipment

In addition to having modules that are ready to deploy quickly, a supply of auxiliary equipment must also be maintained. From generators to marine sanitation devices (MSD) to platforms and more, auxiliary equipment is vital in ensuring that an accommodation package can get up and running fast. Unmanned platforms or barges are often not set up with utilities for power, water, sewer, or communication systems. The same can be said for land-based projects supporting disaster relief or remote project sites that don’t have access to local utilities. Auxiliary equipment provides a modular solution that can be deployed and installed immediately.

From being able to bring in additional crew to deal with production issues, to responding immediately to a natural disaster, quickly deploying temporary living quarters can make all the difference on in your next project. If you need fast deploying accommodation modules, reach out. Armoda has a fleet of fully certified accommodation modules standing by and ready to help.