Offshore handling systems specialist, Caley Ocean Systems has supplied a high performance, A-frame handling system to Boskalis Offshore for launching trenching vehicles and ploughs from the company’s first ‘N Class’ cable-laying vessel Ndurance.
Mounted on the stern of the Ndurance, the Caley A-frame is capable of handling loads of 70 tonne with a maximum lift and reach of 21m up to Seastate-5. The A Frame structure is manufactured in three sections, two leg sections and a top crossbeam. The crossbeam includes the pivot mountings for A-frame’s telescopic swinging beam assembly mounted on a dampening frame, allowing the lifting system to handle a wide range of equipment.
The A-frame includes an anti-pitch system incorporating two double acting hydraulic cylinders trunnion mounted to the crossbeam, together with hydraulic power unit (HPU) and winch, for maximum operational flexibility.
In addition to cable-laying, the Ndurance’s A-frame will be used for a range of other tasks, including launch and recovery of tools and equipment associated with offshore construction projects.
The Caley A-frame is widely used in offshore and ocean science applications where several systems have been in continuous service for over 30 years with many thousands of successful deployments.
The Ndurance will undertake worldwide activities on joining the Boskalis fleet.
Press release, March 26, 2014; Image: Caley