Palfinger has won a ten-year framework agreement to develop and implement remotely operated cranes. In total, the company will supply six electric cranes for four platforms of Aker BP in Norway.

Palfinger is to equip Aker BP’s new installations with state-of-the art offshore cranes based on a new technology and standardisation to increase the safety level and reduce operating costs.

The Norway-based oil exploration and development company is planning a final investment decision in 2022 for the NOA Fulla field development in the NOAKA area and a new central platform on Valhall (NCP) with tie-in of King Lear.

Also read: Dutch Sea Rescue Institution orders twelve custom RHIBs with Palfinger

Remotely operated cranes

The ability to provide safe and secure working conditions is one of the main drivers for remote and autonomous control. Additionally, the technology is also expected to yield huge cost savings, particularly for operations that traditionally require either calm weather conditions, large crews and facilities, or highly repetitive tasks that can be performed remotely with new digital tools.

In 2017, Palfinger started working on the concept for Remote Operated Offshore Cranes (ROOC) together with Aker BP and Optilift. The technology of the ROOC for the new platforms will be based on the work done in the past years as well as the recent deliveries to the Valhall IP platform. The new modular and scalable offshore cranes feature integrated remote and autonomous control technologies.

Also read: Huisman to supply 1600-mt leg encircling crane for Fred. Olsen’s Brave Tern