Huisman awarded contract for yard crane and flexlay system

Equipment & Technology - April 26, 2012

Huisman in The Netherlands has been awarded new contracts by Technip for a 500 tonnes yard crane and a 150 tonnes Flexlay system.

The crane and the pipelay system will be designed and constructed by Huisman in the Netherlands and the Czech Republic.

The yard crane is the third crane of this type built by Huisman, however it is the first to be used for onshore purposes. This design derives from Huisman’s many years of experience in the design, fabrication and service of heavy lifting equipment. The fully revolving crane combines unique technical features, such as a full electric variable frequency drive system, a low overall construction weight and a small minimum operating radius.

These features result in a low power consumption, lower operational costs and maximum operability. The crane will be installed, commissioned and tested at Technip’s Flexi France facility in Le Trait, France, in mid-2013.

The flexlay system will be designed and built for the installation of flexible pipelines. The system can be separated into two modules, allowing for easy installation onboard.

Said Huisman: "A definite first for a Flexlay system of this size is the two openable and retractable 75 tonne tensioners, which allow for safe and efficient installation of large subsea infrastructure components such as umbilicals, risers and flowlines.

"The system’s deepwater lowering function allows for installation in up to 3,000m water depth. Delivery of the Flexlay system is scheduled for the end of 2013."