Mobilizing an Offshore Flotel: A Case Study on Adaptability
- Operated food and facilities management at a temporary 300-bed offshore flotel
- Launched operations in only 10 days, with a team of 13 employees
- Procured necessary supplies — from new mattresses to silverware to all pantry items
- Successfully adapted to unforeseen operational circumstances
Sodexo provides food and facilities management services at offshore facilities in the Gulf of Mexico for many energy companies. When a major oil and gas company needed to expand operations for a short period, the client added a temporary “flotel” facility near one of their rigs located 140 miles from the shores of New Orleans. The flotel — a versatile solution that can be used during the construction and operation of offshore wind farms — housed 300 additional workers for a short-term project.
The client needed 60 days of food and facilities management services for the temporary flotel, which featured a full galley kitchen, a television lounge and a gym. In 10 days, our team transformed a substandard vessel operation into one that offered a comfortable welcoming environment where offshore workers could feel at home.
A Uniquely Challenging Environment
Our client needed an experienced partner to mobilize quickly so they could focus on their critical work and the productivity of their employees.
The unit’s offshore general manager tapped her wealth of knowledge from working in both the healthcare and higher education industries, as well as her experience in the Navy, which gave her a unique understanding of the challenges inherent to offshore operations. Her expertise helped the team quickly and efficiently ramp up deployment at the flotel.
Faced with unexpected challenges, the team had to be split in two: one to oversee kitchen management and food service for the influx of arriving workers, and the other to resolve preexisting issues and bring the vessel up to Sodexo’s standards.
A Strong Support System
Quality of life and wellness while away are built into our core at Sodexo. Providing a clean and comfortable living environment is critical to achieving that. The temporary flotel, which had been empty for four to six weeks, needed special attention, especially in the cabins and galley area. The team immediately evaluated the situation and devised a plan to quickly make the necessary improvements.
Our expert team on shore was critical in mobilizing all our resources to undertake this project. With offshore and remote sites throughout the United States and around the world, our Energy & Resources team leverages a wide range of global expertise to deploy quickly and efficiently — raising the bar on service in the offshore industry.
Life offshore is not easy, and quality of life is critical to the overall health and well-being of your workers. At offshore facilities, Sodexo prioritizes creating and maintaining a clean, safe, comfortable environment where everyone on board can thrive.
Dedicated Support Behind the Team
Sodexo’s Louisiana distribution center has been serving offshore clients in the Gulf of Mexico for more than 20 years, including responding to and operating through hurricanes and other disasters. When tasked with last-minute requests — such as sourcing and delivering 300 mattresses and converters for foreign electrical outlets throughout the vessel in a short timeframe — the team was prepared to find practical solutions to meet every challenge.
With 26 local, regional and national suppliers and a capacity to distribute more than 200 pallets of products weekly, our supply network allows us to source goods and supplies at competitive prices and in a timely matter. And we can quickly scale to fit any operational need.
Adaptability
When faced with unforeseen situations, our team was able to assess and respond, in part because of the strong operational support team assisting them from on shore. For example, situations regarding pest control and connectivity issues were dealt with swiftly and professionally, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations.
Results
The client appreciated the team’s diligence in ensuring that offshore workers received the best possible service and felt at home while on board. Offshore clients know that partnering with Sodexo is an excellent way to create a welcoming environment where workers feel valued, safe and genuinely cared for during their time away from home. We provide the
right resources to support the construction phase of offshore wind farms and maintain a comfortable and productive environment for workers.
How Sodexo Can Support Offshore Wind Farm Construction
Sodexo’s expertise in mobilizing offshore flotels and providing food and facilities management services in challenging environments brings a wealth of advantages for our clients.
- Elevate worker satisfaction with comfortable, well-maintained housing and accommodations.
- Improve employee well-being with high-quality meals and snacks tailored to offshore workers' needs.
- Enhance the on-board experience with robust facilities management services, including housekeeping, laundry, waste management, and more.
- Optimize logistics and supply chain management, ensuring workers always have what they need.
- Improve operations through adaptability and flexibility, key elements in an industry where conditions can change quickly.