The upend tool is the interface between the crane hook and a monopile. It engages the flange at the end of the monopole to act as a hoisting point for upending or lifting the monopile. The connection to the monopile is secured with hydraulically operated locking pins. The upend tool is equipped with a local power pack and is controlled by radio remote control.
The motion compensated gripper enables piling from a floating vessel. It compensates the vessel motions and keeps the pile in positon with high accuracy. The gripper can also double as an upend tool facilitating pile handling and saving deck space.
Every saved tool exchange is avoiding a potentially dangerous situation and saving time. With this philosophy the universal lifting tool has been designed. A combined internal clamp allows for all mayor operations to be handled with one tool. The universal lifting tool is remotely operated and an on-board power pack supplies all required power.
The triple main hoist system consists of three independent lower blocks on the main hoist position. This allows the Operator to upend heavy offshore structures such as monopoles and jackets with two hooks connected to one side, and one hook connected to the other side. The advantage is that once upended, two thirds of the crane’s capacity remains available to lift the upended structure, instead of half, commonly seen with the double main hoist system.
In addition, the triple main hoist system can be used to install large and voluminous structures, such as substations and platforms, very efficiently, since a set-up with three main hook blocks allows for less rigging to be used, simplifying operations and reducing required hook height for slings and lifting gear.
When installing piles from a jack-up vessel, the retractable gripper is used to keep the piles in the required position and keep them centralised during installation. The retractable gripper shares the same functionality as the motion compensated gripper. The compensation frame is exchanged with a fixed frame which is able to retract the gripper.
Due to its reconfigurable design the containerised spreader can be used to hoist a large range of nacelles and other equipment up to 400mt.
SMST's Telescopic Access Bridge can transfer personnel safely from a vessel to an offshore structure or the quay side. Main functions of the bridge are luffing, slewing and telescoping to continuously compensate the motion and displacements of the vessel. Operation can be done by the vessel’s crew and no large generator is needed which leads to a fast and inexpensive operation.
With the SMST Access & Cargo Tower, a complete package of a tower with elevator and access bridge trolley system for safe transfer of cargo and personnel is provided. The modular setup with variable height adjustments up to 10 meter enables transport from several deck levels up to turbine platforms, at port and starboard side of the vessel, 25 meter above water level.