HB Rentals is supplying one of its space-saving 20ft x 8ft engineering cabins to the Snapper platform, for use as a construction office on an eight month deal worth more than AUD $72,000 (GBP £31,000).

The unit has been tested and recertified at HB Rentals’ service base in New Plymouth, New Zealand, having been previously deployed for AWE, and is about to be delivered to Melbourne for installation onto the Snapper in the nearby Bass Strait.

Australian offshore regulations (APPEA) require, as a minimum, that all accommodation being used offshore is fully A60 fire rated in accordance with SOLAS / IMO international standards and DNV 2.7-1 lifting and structural design accredited.

The contract follows HB Rentals’ successful installation of a five-module living quarters, laundry and recreation room complex on the Snapper platform for PSN in October this year, on a long term rental deal worth up to (GBP) £1.3million (USD $2.5million; AUD $3million).

Jonathon Silbert, who heads up HB Rentals’ operations in Perth, Australia, said: “Our ability to quickly mobilise our standard Zone 1 modules from stock has been a key ingredient in our growing partnerships with customers, who require units which meet the stringent DNV hazardous area safety regulations applicable in Australia.

“The complex we supplied to the Snapper platform in the summer of 2007 is now fully occupied and we are delighted to be able to help PSN meet their project needs in the Bass Strait once again.”

HB Rentals, a Superior Energy Services Company, is the world’s largest unique supplier of temporary on and offshore accommodation modules, operating from three major global hubs in Broussard, Louisiana, US; Aberdeen, Scotland and Singapore.

The global specialist includes the European, American, South East Asian and Australasian operations of the former Duffy and McGovern Accommodation Services, which it acquired in January 2007.