Survivtec group ensures survey vessel is LOLER compliant

Vessel & ROV News - September 26, 2012

Survitec Group has played a key role in the refurbishment of US registered seismic survey vessel Fairfield New Venture, which is owned by the seismic data specialist Fairfieldnodal. Survitec's engineers have ensured the vessel is now fully compliant with LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) standards for operating in the UK.

The work involved inspecting and load testing the ship's lifting gear as well as replacing substandard items. It was carried out on behalf of MMS Ship Repair in Hull's Alexander Dock while the vessel underwent a major survey, refit and upgrade.

Working to tight deadlines and alongside multiple contractors on site, Survitec successfully delivered an intensive programme of inspection and load testing in just three months.

In partnership with MMS and the vessel's owners, Survitec inspected all of the vessel's lifting points and replaced and retested new components to fit in with the shipyard's busy schedule of work.

This included destruction testing on five paravane chains. Survitec also supplied new trolleys, chains, connectors, shackles, loose lifting gear, deck crane and rescue boat davit wires as part of the refit.

The project team, which included Tony Marshall from MMS, Fairfield’s Epi Cantu and Erich Willenburg and Survitec’s Jo Stamp and David Gilroy, worked closely to get the project completed on time.

Commented Erich Willenberg, Fairfieldnodal's Vessel Maintenance Supervisor: "Working in the UK we are required to adhere to LOLER. Being a US company we had no idea what these regulations were or how to adhere to them so MMS Ship Repair recommended Survitec to handle all of our lifting gear and load testing needs.

"Survitec was exceptional in their vessel attendance, industry knowledge and overall support. This expertise has ensured we are now LOLER compliant.

"We were also impressed by Survitec's record keeping. We tested literally hundreds of pad eyes, slings, cranes, davits etc. Each piece of equipment was documented and certificated. It was very important to us to maintain a load test and certification book on board. Survitec’s ability to provide us with timely certification was paramount in getting the ship out of dry dock and back to sea. The service we received from Survitec was second to none."