The new jacket lift system of Allseas’ Pioneering Spirit, capable of lifting and transporting the largest supporting structures, has entered the testing and commissioning phase. In-harbour trials include raising and lowering the 170-metre lifting beams individually and, when connected, simultaneously.
The trials are to enable Allseas’ engineers to calibrate load measurements and verify the control modes and safety systems.
Current tests focus on the starboard beam, increasing the upend angle in phases to 110 degrees, the angle the beams reach during commercial jacket lifts. Up to 60 degrees, the upend system does most of the work. From 60 degrees, the centre of gravity moves outside the vessel, and the derrick wires control the tilting.
Also read: VIDEO: Allseas readies for load tests of Pioneering Spirit’s jacket lift system
20,000-tonne jackets
The jacket lift system is being built to install and remove entire jackets up to 20,000 tonnes in a single lift. It can operate in hostile weather conditions. This innovative technology enables direct transfer of structures to and from the quayside and eliminates the need for support barges. Significantly shorter operating times also translate to emissions savings.
While the technology is ground-breaking, the way the system works is rather simple, states Allseas. After making cuts to a jacket’s foundation piles at seabed level, hoisting blocks suspended from the lifting beams raise the jacket at the main legs. The jacket is subsequently aligned with the beams, reclined, and skidded further inboard before transit.
In September 2021, the largest parts of the jacket lift system were installed on board: the 13-metre wide main beams. The complete jacket lift system is to be ready for the first projects in summer 2022.
Also read: Video: Pioneering Spirit’s new Jacket Lift System explained
Mini-documentary
Allseas has published a mini-documentary on the Pioneering Spirit’s jacket lift system. It consists of two episodes and can also be viewed on the SWZ|Maritime website.
Also read: VIDEO: Allseas makes documentary on Pioneering Spirit’s new jacket lift system / VIDEO: Next episode of documentary on Pioneering Spirit’s jacket lift system
Pictures by Allseas.
