Wagenborg orders a second Barge Master 3D motion compensated crane

Wagenborg has awarded Barge Master with a contract for a second 3D motion compensated crane to be installed on their new walk-to-work vessel the Kasteelborg. The fact that Wagenborg and Shell/Nam have selected Barge Master for an additional BM-T40 motion compensated crane showcases the success of the first one, which was installed on the state-of-the-art Walk-to-Work vessel Kroonborg.

Watch a video of the system

Increased workability

The first motion compensated crane on the Kroonborg has increased the workability from approximately 180 to 330 days per year.  “The crane works quite happily in three metre seas,” Haije Stigter, former programme manager at ONEgas/Shell, notes - adding that it “works like a dream”.

The Barge Master Crane, as configured for the Kroonborg, makes it possible to continue safe and stable crane operations even in the North Sea’s famously rough conditions. It is able to lift 32 metres above sea level at a reach of up to 20 metres or 15 tonnes at a reach of 10 metres. Gert Vanderheyden, former project manager at Shell: “It’s really an amazing piece of equipment. When you see it for the first time, you think ‘how ever is this possible’? “

New walk-to-work vessel

The BM-T40 motion compensated crane will be mounted on the 'Kasteelborg' by Royal Niestern Sander. Earlier this year, this shipyard already converted the Kasteelborg from a PSV into a Walk-to-Work Emergency Response & Rescue Vessel for Wagenborg.

The new Walk-to-Work vessel will support offshore operations for the combined NAM and Shell UK business unit at the gas production facilities in the Southern North Sea. It will operate as a stand-by and support vessel for inspection and maintenance of the unmanned platforms in both Dutch and British waters.

Close cooperation with Bosch Rexroth

For the fabrication of the new crane Barge Master is teaming up with Bosch Rexroth, having previously worked together successfully on the first crane as well as Barge Master’s 3D compensated platforms and gangways.

Wider operating window

“Barge Master’s motion compensated crane is designed to create a much wider operating window at sea, and increases safety and workability considerably. And by doing that, you reduce cost tremendously”, says Martijn Koppert, CEO of Barge Master. “I have worked offshore for a long time, and have experienced the problem of swinging load first-hand. A heave compensated crane does not eliminate swinging. That’s why we came up with the 3D motion compensated crane. Simply put, this technology keeps your crane load stable even in choppy waters”, he adds.

video

More information about the BM-T40