MacGregor's new ship-to-ship compensation system widens offshore load transfer windows
23/02/2017
CARGOTEC CORPORATION, TRADE PRESS RELEASE, 23 FEBRUARY 2017 AT 11 AM EET
MacGregor, part of Cargotec, has launched a new crane compensation system for offshore ship-to-ship load transfers, offering substantially larger operating windows as well as safer and faster load transfers.
"This robustly-tested technology can offer considerable commercial advantages to the offshore industry," says Ivar Fjermeros, Senior Sales Manager, Advanced Offshore Solutions.
"MacGregor understands the complexity of ship-to-ship load transfers and the limitations imposed by unpredictable, non-synchronised movements in a seaway. With the systems currently available, a crane's capacity is effectively de-rated because of the conservative approach required to minimise risks associated with the relative movements of the vessels.
The new compensation system employs a motion reference unit on the deck of the secondary vessel. This transmits motion data to the crane on the primary vessel via a high-speed redundant wireless link. Combining motion data from both vessels, the system calculates and applies the winch compensation necessary to minimise hook movement at the load-handling zone on the secondary vessel.
The system features precise tension and position control for accurate load hook-on, pick-up landing and hook-off. Safety is much improved for the deck crew working in the load-handling zone. Load pick-up and landing is precise, fast and smooth. It allows the operator to employ a less conservative approach to calculating the maximum load that can be safely handled in any given sea state.
"The safety benefits mark a significant improvement for offshore transfer operations," says Mr Fjermeros. "When these are combined with maximising the crane's lifting capacity, improved load transfer times and a substantial, real-world increase in weather windows for ship-to-ship operations, this system really does offer some ground-breaking benefits."
For owners with existing MacGregor offshore cranes wishing to benefit from this new system, it can be retrofitted cost-effectively and can be used with other MacGregor crane advances.
Watch the short animation on the new compensation system
For more information please contact:
Ivar Fjermeros, Senior Sales Manager, Advanced Offshore Solutions, MacGregor,
tel. +47 99 031 636, Email: ivar.fjermeros@macgregor.com
or
Heli Malkavaara, Senior Communications Manager, MacGregor, tel. +358 20 777 4500
Email: heli.malkavaara@macgregor.com
MacGregor shapes the offshore and marine industries by offering world-leading engineering solutions and services with a strong portfolio of MacGregor, Hatlapa, Porsgrunn, Pusnes and Triplex brands. Shipbuilders, owners and operators are able to optimise the lifetime profitability, safety, reliability and environmental sustainability of their operations by working in close cooperation with MacGregor.
MacGregor solutions and services for handling marine cargoes, vessel operations, offshore loads, crude/LNG transfer and offshore mooring are all designed to perform with the sea. www.macgregor.com
MacGregor is part of Cargotec. Cargotec's (Nasdaq Helsinki: CGCBV) sales in 2016 totalled approximately EUR 3.5 billion and it employs over 11,000 people. www.cargotec.com
