Turkey has taken a major step towards energy independence with the completion of its first floating natural gas production platform, the Osman Gazi.
At the heart of this landmark project lies a custom-engineered scaffolding system developed by URTIM Formwork & Scaffolding Systems, designed to meet the demanding conditions of offshore construction in the Black Sea.
The Osman Gazi Floating Natural Gas Production, Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) has been built to process, store, and transfer up to 10 million cubic metres of natural gas per day — enough to supply energy to around eight million households.
Developed with a 20-year operational lifespan, the platform represents a major boost to Turkey’s domestic energy infrastructure. Its conversion and assembly were completed at the shipyard’s dry dock facilities in record time.
Measuring 298.5 metres long, 56 metres wide and 29.5 metres deep, the vessel underwent a rapid transformation into a floating production system, involving more than 1,000 tonnes of steelwork, 900 tonnes of pipe installation and 8,000 tonnes of module removal within just eight months.
Engineering at sea
Offshore environments pose unique challenges, including exposure to wind, vibration, corrosion, and limited accessibility.
To meet these, URTIM developed a tailored scaffolding solution for the platform’s helideck section, rising 42 metres high with a 15-metre cantilever span. The design incorporated high load-bearing connections, rigid frames, and corrosion-resistant materials to ensure both durability and safety.
URTIM said the system became a vital element of the build, enabling safe and efficient work throughout construction.
With more than 45 years of experience and a portfolio of over 4,000 completed projects across 70 countries, URTIM is one of Turkey’s leading scaffolding and formwork specialists.
The Osman Gazi project demonstrates how domestic engineering expertise can deliver world-class results. Every stage, from design to production and installation was completed using local resources.
URTIM’s system not only supported the platform’s construction but also set a new benchmark for safety, accessibility, and performance in offshore environments.
