Singapore: Yantai Raffles Shipyard in China has celebrated the first commercial lift by its eagerly awaited new 20,000tonne capacity crane system Taisun before a crowd of 750 local and international industry figures. The massive 14,000tonne deckbox of COSL semi-submersible drilling rig COSLPioneer was lifted and mated onto the columns and hull of the Rig in one single operation, described as an unprecedented feat within the industry. The megalift crane system has taken the best part of 10 years to plan, design, build and install.
"Taisun marks a fresh chapter in offshore engineering and construction," said YRS deputy chairman Brian Chang during the ceremony. "We believe that this new construction methodology will create tremendous, mutually beneficial value for us and our clients."
Taisun enabled the concurrent construction of the COSLPioneer deckbox and hull, thereby bringing increased efficiency in project execution, up to 2m saved man hours, overall cost savings and extra yard capacity for YRS. The amount of work required at precarious heights was also greatly reduced, also improving safety levels and quality.
YRS says it has received a high level of enquiries from contractors and owners who wish to use the crane to aid their building strategy and Taisun is already scheduled for eight lifts, each exceeding 10,000tonnes. Taisun can also carry out installation of Floating, Production, Storage and Off-loading (FPSO) topsides onto the FPSO Hull, decommissioning of rigs as well as hoisting of mega structures with a width of up to 120 metres.
Yantai Raffles Shipyard Limited is the largest rig builder in China, with significant expertise and know-how in the construction of various marine and offshore projects which include jack-up drilling rigs, semi-submersible drilling rigs, FPSOs, heavy lift vessels, pipe lay vessels and other prototype vessels. [25/11/08]
Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. Seatrade, a trading name of Informa Markets (UK) Limited. Add Seatrade Maritime News to your Google News feed.
