The riser pull-in system comprises 38-t and 12-t winches (photo: Rigmarine)

Lifting and marine product specialist Rigmarine has recently supplied a bespoke winch system for a multi-national oil and gas company, a key customer in the Caspian Sea region.

The riser pull-in system comprises 38-tonne and 12-tonne winches, in addition to key components such as hydraulic power units, tensiometers and multiple sheave assemblies. The winches will be used intermittently over a 5-year period for riser and cable pull-in activities.

They will be fixed onto an offshore platform upon delivery but can be relocated in line with the requirements of the project. It will be possible to operate both at the same time but, more likely, each will be selected depending on the pulling demands of applications as they arise.

Regular, planned maintenance will be provided by manpower based at Rigmarine’s Azerbaijan facility, situated on the west coast of the Caspian Sea, from where the company services an abundance of installed equipment on and around the largest inland body of water on the planet, located in between Europe and Asia.

Garry Nicoll, international business development manager at Rigmarine, says, “It was a rewarding order to complete as the scope of work included full bespoke design and delivery of a package tailored to meet the specific – and demanding – requirements of the project.”

Nicoll explained that the winch package is a lightweight system, categorised as such because of its high power (pull) to weight ratio. In this case, he says, Rigmarine has provided the capability for up to 70 t of pull with only 8-t gross weight.

He adds, “The winch units are very compact, suiting them to installation on the topside where space is at a premium. We are familiar with supplying such platforms, where equipment is typically moved through tight areas, meaning any floor space and weight we can save the customer adds further value to the package.”

The riser pull-in system was produced to a tight timescale with Rigmarine’s manufacturing partner in Spain, and with other key suppliers in the UK and Netherlands. All goods will then be transported 6,000 miles by road before delivery at the end of the year. One shipment will include both winches; hydraulic power units; tensiometers, to monitor line pull; sheaves, for diverting wires around the deck and outboard; and multiple operational, spare and test rope packages.

The system was extensively tested prior to shipment in accordance with DNV 2.22 RCLA and all equipment is supplied for use in hazardous area classification Zone 2. The first port of call will be at Rigmarine’s Baku facility, where wire spooling and final preparations will take place before dispatch to the topside.

Tags: Rigmarine