Displaying items by tag: Mammoet

Integrated heavy lifting and transport solutions minimize complexity of petrochemical plant construction project in Saudi Arabia.

As the world’s largest Propane Dehydration plant (PDH) takes shape in Saudi Arabia, Mammoet ensured that its critical components all arrived in the right sequence, and were installed smoothly and safely into position, minimizing port charges and reducing onsite congestion. During construction on the congested site, customized lifting system ensured efficient use of space.
 
With Saudi Arabia looking to diversify its economy, the petrochemicals sector is poised for considerable growth. Forecast to allocate more than a third of its oil output to chemical production by 2030, several new facilities are now being built across the Kingdom.
 
One of the largest of these new facilities is a vast new Propane Dehydration plant being built by Samsung Engineering for Advanced Polyolefins Company (APOC) in Jubail Industrial City. Producing more than 840,000 metric tonnes of propylene each year, this is set to be the largest PDH plant in the world, increasing Saudi Arabia’s total propylene output by more than 60%. 

With a project of this type, the challenges are immense. A constant flow of prefabricated components must arrive onsite in exactly the right sequence to be installed safely into position. 

Recognizing the project’s complex requirements, Mammoet proposed a carefully planned and integrated, all-in-one solution to streamline operations and minimize risks, driven by the company’s firm commitment to efficiency and safety. Its team of experts took charge of the full scope of factory-to-foundation logistics, marine and land transport and heavy lift requirements. In doing so, it was necessary to choreograph many domestic and international shipments, handle some of the largest prefabricated components ever constructed, and deliver a series of spectacular heavy lift operations – while overcoming some unexpected challenges along the way.  

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Factory to foundation transport

Mammoet’s expertise in inland and marine transportation played an essential role in transporting 15 vast pipe rack modules, measuring up to 46 meters long and 33 meters high, and weighing up to 1,900 tonnes, from a fabrication facility in the United Arab Emirates to Saudi Arabia. By organizing six consecutive voyages and utilizing its nearby yard as a laydown facility, Mammoet optimized the sequencing, reduced onsite congestion and streamlined the operations. 

The in-kingdom transportation process included both imported and locally built components, as well as the plant’s central process tower, or product splitter. To negotiate the 26-kilometre route from the quayside and the laydown facility to the project site, Mammoet performed complex route simulations, determined where and how the road network would need to be modified and strengthened, and managed all permitting processes with the Saudi authorities. A large fleet of transport equipment,– including 180 axle lines of SPMT, 60 conventional axles, and eight prime movers were utilized for the safe delivery of components.

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Heavy lift operations

Among the 125 separate heavy lift operations, erecting the 129m tall, 10m wide, 1,600t product splitter was the most challenging. Leveraging their expertise and specialist equipment, Mammoet drafted in a tower gantry lifting system, and a 1,250t capacity crawler crane - a CC6800 with 850t counter weight. The CC6800 handled the tail, keeping it clear of the ground throughout the lift, while the gantry’s hydraulic lifting system hoisted the product splitter from the top. Unlike most gantry lifting systems, Mammoet’s is entirely freestanding and requires no guy wires, even at a height of 130 meters. This means the footprint is kept to an absolute minimum, which is an important consideration on a busy and congested site like this one.  

Throughout the project, Mammoet’s team demonstrated their expertise in overcoming unexpected challenges, including delays in module fabrication and design modifications in the UAE, which required replanning and handling larger than anticipated modules. Meanwhile, in Saudi Arabia, maintenance of bridges along the transport route threatened to delay the project by up to two months. However, with a solution-oriented mindset, the Mammoet teams came up with workarounds – including the deployment of temporary bridging systems.

Mammoet’s scope is largely complete, and the project is due to be completed and commissioned on schedule, ready for the facility to become operational from 2024. 

Mammoet

Mammoet helps clients with Smarter, Safer and Stronger solutions to any heavy lifting or transport challenge. We aim to develop long term relationships in order to understand their businesses and challenges best, so we can realize the most efficient and cost-effective approaches. We have a unique global network and an unparalleled fleet of equipment. Through deep and longstanding engineering expertise and the highest quality and safety standards in execution we bring an intelligent and flexible approach to projects across a wide breadth of industry sectors. Clients trust us to help them achieve feats that were once considered impossible, and we have often broken records in doing so. For more information, visit www.mammoet.com

Published in Oil & Gas
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Mammoet’s creative engineering and innovative equipment deliver safe and efficient load-out and offshore installation operations for the Azeri Central East (ACE) production, drilling and quarters platform in the Caspian.

Mammoet, the global leader in engineered heavy lifting and transport, is pleased to announce the successful completion of a remarkable project that showcases its commitment to efficient solutions and safety.

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Through creative engineering and the use of its state-of-the-art equipment, Mammoet has achieved a significant milestone – the safe and efficient load-out and offshore installation of a massive offshore platform. This achievement is part of the Azeri Central East (ACE) project, the next  phase of the development of the bp-operated Azeri-Chirag-Deepwater Gunashli (ACG) field  in the Caspian Sea.

Mammoet’s scope included the weighing, jack-up, load-out and floatover installation operations of the 19,600-tonne production, drilling, and quarters (PDQ) platform. Leveraging its comprehensive engineering capabilities, Mammoet ensured the precise transfer of the platform's topsides unit from the quayside onto the transportation barge STB-1 and subsequently onto the jacket foundation offshore. Prior to its departure, the topsides unit underwent meticulous commissioning and operational testing onshore, significantly reducing offshore installation and start-up activities.

Engineered solutions

At the quayside, the topsides unit was expertly jacked up to a height of 17 meters and then gently lowered onto a custom loadout support frame, utilising Mammoet's largest jacking system – Mega Jack 5200. The unit was then smoothly skidded onto the barge, where it was sea-fastened and prepared for its voyage to the ACG field. The skidding operation onto the barge's deck was accomplished using four 900-tonne strandjacks, break-out jacks, high capacity ballast system, load monitoring quay jacks comprising of six 600-tonne jacks, and mooring winches.  

Upon its arrival at the designated field location, Mammoet executed the installation of the topside unit onto the jacket foundation through a floatover operation. The barge was precisely positioned over the substructure and the topsides unit was then lowered onto the substructure, while maintaining the barge’s position. The barge’s internal ballasting and winching system was enhanced with Mammoet’s float-over winches and configurable high-flow rapid ballast system. This enhancement added an additional flow capability of approximately 32,000m3/hr. This centrally controlled and monitored ballast system ensured real-time oversight, guaranteeing operational continuity and a safe floatover process.

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The project's success is not only marked by its technical achievements but also by its outstanding safety record. Throughout the construction of the 19,600-tonne topsides unit, more than 21 million hours were worked injury-free. This unit, comprising vital oil and gas processing facilities, an integrated drilling rig, a gas compressor, and living quarters, was expertly constructed by Azfen in the Bayil fabrication yard, utilizing local infrastructure and resources.

Mammoet played a key role in the integration of the platform’s DES and MDSM modules, totaling 2,400 and 2,350 tonnes respectively, showcasing the company's multi-faceted capabilities. The combination of Mammoet's advanced jacking and skidding systems, along with SPMTs, ensured a seamless and secure operation.

Looking ahead, drilling is expected to commence in the coming months with the delivery of ACE's first oil projected to begin in early 2024.

Dan Kempin, Business Development Manager for Mammoet, commented: “As we continue to redefine industry standards through our innovative solutions and steadfast commitment to safety, the successful loadout and float over operations of this massive topsides unit stands as a testament to Mammoet's dedication to excellence in engineered heavy lifting and transport.”

About Mammoet

Mammoet helps clients with Smarter, Safer and Stronger solutions to any heavy lifting or transport challenge. We aim to develop long term relationships in order to understand their businesses and challenges best, so we can realize the most efficient and cost-effective approaches. We have a unique global network and an unparalleled fleet of equipment. Through deep and longstanding engineering expertise and the highest quality and safety standards in execution we bring an intelligent and flexible approach to projects across a wide breadth of industry sectors. Clients trust us to help them achieve feats that were once considered impossible, and we have often broken records in doing so. For more information, visit www.mammoet.com

Published in Oil & Gas
Tagged under

Mammoet has achieved a major milestone in the development of sustainable heavy lifting and transport – undertaking the replacement of a production vessel at a chemical plant in the Netherlands using purely electric power.  

The Shell facility produces feedstock for a range of everyday applications including medical equipment, car components and cellphones. When a key production vessel needed to be replaced, the customer was keen to look at how this could be done with the lowest possible environmental impact. 

Seeking ways in which new technology can help to reduce – and eventually eradicate - the carbon footprint of projects, Mammoet has explored many possible solutions in recent years. One such focus has been a partnership with Scheuerle to transition its SPMT fleet from diesel to renewable energy.  

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Whilst electric technology is nothing new for domestic vehicles, the sheer force SPMTs are required to deliver in moving heavy items has presented significant barriers to finding an equivalent solution. But thanks to extensive research and testing this has now become a reality.  

The ePPU was used with four axle lines of SPMT operating in an extremely tight area of the existing plant, which meant that there were only a few meters in which to maneuver the existing vessel out and drive the new one into position.  

In fact, space was so limited that not all SPMT lines could be positioned beneath the outgoing vessel, meaning that it needed to be secured above the front two axle lines of SPMT, with the ePPU acting as a counterweight to balance the vessel as it was transported. A crane was then used to remove the old vessel and lower its replacement onto the SPMT in the same position. This was then moved back into place ready to be installed and commissioned.   

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Using the ePPU delivered important benefits for the project. Ludo Mous, Operations Director at Mammoet Europe, explains: 

“The ePPU is a really important step in how we support our customers with decarbonizing projects. But in this case, the benefits were not limited only to a lower carbon footprint. With work taking place in a highly confined area, we would have been highly conscious of the emissions generated by a typical diesel PPU, and would need to carefully manage operatives’ exposure to it. By using an electric model, we removed this issue completely, whilst also creating a much quieter working environment.” 

The successful application of the ePPU here signals just the start of an exciting development for Mammoet and the wider industry. Although there is still work to be done to ensure electric power is sufficient for use in larger scale SPMT projects, the technology is now proven in use and ready to be rolled out across a broader range of work around the world. 

Mous concludes: 

“We were extremely pleased that the ePPU performed as we expected, delivering a low-carbon solution for our customer. We expect demand for it to be high, in particular for projects that are looking for more sustainable options or where exhaust emissions must be kept to a minimum for safety reasons, such as civil projects taking place within tunnels or work inside nuclear facilities.” 

MammoetMammoet helps clients with Smarter, Safer and Stronger solutions to any heavy lifting or transport challenge. We aim to develop long term relationships in order to understand their businesses and challenges best, so we can realize the most efficient and cost-effective approaches. We have a unique global network and an unparalleled fleet of equipment. Through deep and longstanding engineering expertise and the highest quality and safety standards in execution we bring an intelligent and flexible approach to projects across a wide breadth of industry sectors. Clients trust us to help them achieve feats that were once considered impossible, and we have often broken records in doing so.For more information, visit www.mammoet.com

Published in Transport & Logistics
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Combined marine and land transport offering creates solid foundation for project market logistics in the Middle East.

The complexity of moving heavy cargo, sourced globally for projects, requires a partner with a combination of readily available resources for both marine and onshore transports and the expertise to overcome logistical obstacles and bottlenecks.

Specialized knowledge can be very beneficial, particularly in large and complicated projects, since experts in various specialties can provide valuable services. However, this often involves contracting various independent suppliers, each responsible for only their own part in the logistics chain. Excessive costs and delays can result from poor coordination and communication between these specialists.

Hence, project owners, EPCs and freight forwarders can benefit from working with service provider partnerships, such as the alliance between marine transport specialist - OFCO, Offshore International, and onshore transport and installation specialist Mammoet. Each organization’s expertise and resources are combined, and a single point of contact for communications ensures the alignment and optimization of logistics and installation schedules.

Double banking operation and marine transport for a power plant in SharjahDouble banking operation and marine transport for a power plant in Sharjah

A recent example of turnkey logistical solutions was the swift delivery of a critical project cargo for a power plant in Sharjah, UAE. Two 140t transformers needed to be received from a container vessel in Jebel Ali Port and then transported to the site in Sharjah for further installation.

Following comprehensive risk assessment and engineering, the team proposed receiving the cargo via a double banking operation and marine transport to Sharjah’s Khalid Port. The cargo was efficiently discharged by a floating crane onto a landing craft provided by the alliance and then transported to Khalid Port. The transformers were then offloaded using a RORO method using self-propelled modular trailers, before being safely transported to the site. Once on site they were installed using a jacking and skidding method.

Marine Operations Manager at Mammoet MEA, Harshad Deshpande, commented: “By involving the alliance in the logistics of the power plant components, the customer took advantage of the increased flexibility for the cargo move, both marine and onshore, thereby saving time and additional costs such as port charges and double handling of the cargo.”

Captain Maktoum Al Houqani, Chief Corporate Authority Officer and Acting Head of Maritime Cluster at AD Ports Group, and Chairman of OFCO – Offshore International said “The recent success of the delivery of critical project cargo intended for a power plant in Sharjah serves as a prime example of how service provider partnerships, such as the one held today between OFCO and Mammoet, can facilitate highly specialised and complex projects combining logistical transport solutions across both land and sea.
“We look forward to the continuation of our collaboration, which combines the long-standing expertise and resources of both organisations, to deliver a unique and competitive offering for customers seeking a robust end-to-end solution to meet their logistical needs.”

Loadout and marine transport in Dammam, Saudi ArabiaLoadout and marine transport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia

Other examples of successful and streamlined logistics include the loadout and marine transport of critical boiler components from Mina Zayed Port to Ruwais; the delivery of nearly 40 components from Khalifa and Ras Al Khaimah ports to Das Island for an ongoing expansion project and the delivery of two 94t storage tanks from Mina Zayed Port to ICADII jetty in Abu Dhabi.

“The vision for our partnership was to create a unique offering and a real value for our customers in the GCC. By engaging us, the customers benefit from our optimized planning and operations, in-house assets, expertise and engineering know-how. Reduced interface management within the logistics chain of projects give our customers the required peace of mind to concentrate their energies towards their business goals.” commented Thomas Wylie, Sales Director - Projects, Mammoet MEA.

“With the recent major project awards in the region, we are well positioned to provide the complete package of heavy lifting and transportation services, both onshore and offshore, from local ports to foundation, thereby advancing our continuous pursuit to help our clients speed up productivity.” he concluded.  

About OFCO, Offshore International
Unveiled under the umbrella of Abu Dhabi Ports at the start of 2021, OFCO – Offshore International is one of the largest cost-efficient providers of onshore and offshore integrated logistics solutions and subsea services in the GCC.
Combining the long-standing maritime expertise of SAFEEN with AMLS’ diversified fleet and experience in offshore logistics and supply chain management, the company’s “one-stop-shop” offering is ideally suited to meet the complex logistical requirements of customers within the oil and gas, energy, and offshore markets.

About Mammoet Middle East
Launching a regional head office in the UAE along with the branch offices in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman back in 1974, Mammoet has been delivering efficient and cost-effective solutions for engineered heavy lifting and transportation projects across the Middle East for almost 50 years, supporting numerous projects across a multitude of industry segments including the offshore, power, oil and gas and civil industries. Its acquisition of ALE in 2020 created the world’s largest global provider of engineered heavy lifting and transport services.

Published in Transport & Logistics
Tagged under
Thursday, 24 February 2022 10:27

Smart approach loads-out modules three days early

2,200t moves engineered in short timeframe, protecting project schedule

Offshore construction specialists Estaleiros do Brasil Ltda. (EBR) needed the load-out of seven modules to be engineered, planned, and executed in the space of just a few weeks. These modules were being built in Brazil destined for FPSO integrations abroad; the challenge was on to have the modules in active production as soon as possible.

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The modules – some weighing up to 2,200t each and over 30m by 18m in size – were to be transferred from the quay to a waiting ship. Phase one of the project would transfer the first four such modules, and phase two the remaining three.

The work was not straightforward, however. A challenge presented itself during the first phase, as there were limited feasible jacking points available underneath the module. These are strengthened areas, built into a module’s design, that allow it to be lifted from underneath by large jacking systems.

As there was not sufficient time to reinforce the structure of each module so that they could be jacked down using other points, an alternative solution had to be found. It came through innovative use of standard lifting equipment.

Mammoet teams use trailers for 2,200t module load-out. Mammoet teams use trailers for 2,200t module load-out.

Hydraulic trailers used for transport projects have the ability to raise and lower mechanically, so it was decided that each module would be lowered sequentially, using the hydraulic course of the trailers rather than traditional jacking equipment. In turn, each module was weighed, jacked-down to the correct grillage height, then loaded-out onto the ship within a precise timeframe.

Despite the novel approach, this methodology allowed the first four modules to be loaded-out in just twelve days instead of the allotted 15.

Phase two of the operation, which included the three final modules, was successfully completed a few months later. During this phase, only the weighing and load-out was required. To complete this scope, Mammoet's team mobilized the same 96 axle-lines of PST/THP trailers as previously used, a large selection of weighing and auxiliary equipment, and it could mobilize staff from every corner of the Americas to ensure the job was done on time.

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During phase two, the largest module measured over 29.9m (around 98,000 ft) long and 37.488m (122.9 ft) tall. Again, each module’s weight aligned with expectations, at around 2,200t each.

Mammoet Project Manager, Alvaro Campos, explains, “One of Mammoet’s greatest challenges was the mobilization time since we were asked to deliver with very short notice and the required equipment was in various locations across Brazil.

We managed to get everything to site on time thanks to the hard work of a very professional crew and we pulled out a safe execution which was praised many times by our final clients and brought them much relief.”

Both phases were effectively delivered for end customers Modec and Cameron/SBM respectively, and all tasks were executed while complying with our customer’s and Mammoet's high safety standards. Mammoet’s team has vast experience in loading out large modules onto vessels across the globe, most recently a nearly 4,000t topside in Turkmenistan.

Mammoet
Mammoet helps clients with Smarter, Safer and Stronger solutions to any heavy lifting or transport challenge. We aim to develop long term relationships in order to understand their businesses and challenges best, so we can realize the most efficient and cost-effective approaches. We have a unique global network and an unparalleled fleet of equipment. Through deep and longstanding engineering expertise and the highest quality and safety standards in execution we bring an intelligent and flexible approach to projects across a wide breadth of industry sectors. Clients trust us to help them achieve feats that were once considered impossible, and we have often broken records in doing so.

For more information, visit www.mammoet.com

Published in Transport & Logistics
Tagged under

Mammoet is investigating the possible violation of its intellectual property rights by Huisman and BMS.

The investigation concerns the recently announced series of land cranes, including a 3000-ton ring crane, by Huisman and BMS.

If any violations are apparent, Mammoet will take steps to actively enforce its legal rights in any and all applicable jurisdictions.

Huisman and BMS crane (left), Mammoet SK350 crane (right). Huisman and BMS crane (left), Mammoet SK350 crane (right).

As the global leader in heavy lifting and transport, Mammoet drives innovation in the industry. This includes major developments such as SPMT trailers, hydraulic skid systems, Mega Jack series and containerized (ring) cranes.

This innovation is one of the foundations of Mammoet’s business and therefore any violation of its rights, including its intellectual property, will be pursued via legal enforcement.

Mammoet
Mammoet helps clients with Smarter, Safer and Stronger solutions to any heavy lifting or transport challenge. We aim to develop long term relationships in order to understand their businesses and challenges best, so we can realize the most efficient and cost-effective approaches. We have a unique global network and an unparalleled fleet of equipment. Through deep and longstanding engineering expertise and the highest quality and safety standards in execution we bring an intelligent and flexible approach to projects across a wide breadth of industry sectors. Clients trust us to help them achieve feats that were once considered impossible, and we have often broken records in doing so.

For more information, visit www.mammoet.com

Published in News
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Wednesday, 10 November 2021 13:36

The life of a crane

In 1992 the ambitious Van Seumeren company purchased four Demag CC4800 cranes. This was a bold move because the 800t CC4800 was one of the world’s biggest models of crane at that time, and the business had not yet undergone the merger that transformed it into the global leader we know today.

But the purchase proved to be a wise one, and the four cranes went on to play a crucial role in the economic development of countries and industries around the world for the next three decades – supporting the rapid, successful growth of Mammoet in the process. We follow one of these cranes to explore some of its more remarkable lifts and how it is still proving invaluable for its new owners today.

In demand
 
Dirk Knoester, Senior Advisor at Mammoet, remembers when the CC4800 first arrived:
 
“The purchase of the CC4800 was a brave move for the business, as at the time we still mainly worked in the Netherlands and nearby European countries. In those days a crane with 800t capacity was not as common as it is today; it was a special piece of equipment. 
 
Fortunately, we recognized that there was growing demand for bigger lifts to keep the crane busy, particularly in developing nations where the energy industry was expanding. In hindsight, the CC4800 really helped to announce the company on a global scale.”
 
This meant that the CC4800 was soon working across the globe, primarily on a range of major oil and gas projects. A key appeal was that the crane required relatively little space in which to operate, could be relocated on its tracks and drive with its load.
 
Amongst its early projects was Exxon’s Srirarcha Expansion Project in Thailand, where it lifted a range of large modules from a single position – helping to minimize the project’s construction time. In the early 1990s it was used alongside another CC4800 to perform the tandem lift of an 800t reactor in Venezuela; at the time a record for South America.
 
Wherever the crane travelled, so did its specialist crew:
 
“Because the capacity of the CC4800 was so rare, there was demand for it all over the world. Today, there are cranes with the same capacity in many more countries in order to avoid the time and expense of shipping such a big piece of equipment. That was simply not the case in the 1990s.
 
This meant that crews travelled across the world with the CC4800, from Canada and South America to the Middle East and throughout Asia. As well as seeing different countries, it was extremely satisfying work - performing big lifts that helped to make large-scale projects like refinery expansions and steel mill builds more efficient.”

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Pushing through the 1,000t barrier
 
As lifting bigger leads to more efficient project schedules, demand for the crane grew. So much so, that by the mid-1990s even greater capacity was needed to accommodate the emerging trend for modularization.
 
This led Mammoet to look beyond the crawler crane format, into how the CC4800 could be upgraded for use as a ring crane with a capacity of over 1,440t – unlocking a new level of work for the business, and more efficient methodologies for the client.
 
Although modularized construction is now widespread in the oil and gas industry, this was not always the case. Cranes such as the newly upgraded CC4800 Twin Ring provided the critical lifting capacity to support this new methodology, and the efficiency gains it could support.
 
Furthermore, the crane could be used in both crawler and ring configuration on a project to provide greater lifting options without the need for two cranes on site. So, the new crane could lift ultra-heavy loads in ring configuration, but still travel around site while lifting smaller loads, thanks to its crawlers.
 
This was the case during work for Foster Wheeler at Exxon’s Rotterdam facility. This project involved the lifting of seven items, including two columns weighing 606t and 759t, in Twin Ring configuration, and then further smaller lifts in its standard crawler crane format.
 
Project Managers that worked with the crane remember the advantages of working with this now traditional piece of equipment:
 
“We used to joke that all you really needed to make running repairs and fixes to the CC4800 was a screwdriver and a hammer! This was a huge help when we were working out in remote locations such as Venezuela or Trinidad, where we would need to wait days if an engineer had to be flown in. Instead we were able to deal with many problems ourselves, keeping the project on track.”
 
“Although the CC4800 was not easy to move – its crawlers weighed upwards of 90t each – it was a strong and reliable crane. It was dependable when we needed it to be, in part because so much of the assembly was done by hand – we would knock the boom pins in with sledgehammers, which isn’t something you see nowadays!”
 
A varied career
 
Whilst the majority of the CC4800’s work has been in the oil and gas sector, it has had an interesting working life beyond that industry. Dirk Knoester continues:
 
“The CC4800 has been involved with a wide variety of different projects. This has included helping to move a steel mill from Germany to India, and a number of high-profile stadium builds. In 2006 it proved critical in building China’s centerpiece Beijing National Stadium, the ‘Bird’s Nest’, for the 2008 Olympic Games.”
 
Shortly after this project, following over 20 years of service with Mammoet, the CC4800 found a new home with Shepherd Offshore in the UK. Here it is located on the quayside of Shepherd’s Newcastle upon Tyne facility where it undertakes ship-to-shore lifts and can use its crawler capabilities to move across the quay as required.
 
Terry Hall, Assistant General Manager at Shepherd Offshore comments:
 
“One of Shepherd Offshore’s main objectives is responsible and sustainable regeneration; we bring value to a site or location and then in turn the wider community benefits. The CC4800 has helped increase the level of services that we can offer clients which results in more business for the local region.
 
Between 2016 and 2017, the CC4800 hit a Shepherd Offshore record in assisting 133 heavy reel transfers between Offshore Technology Park and Neptune Energy Park in Newcastle upon Tyne. Since 2018, Shepherd Offshore has had over 70 vessels berthed at Neptune Energy Park where the CC4800 crane is based.
 
During this time, it has handled a wide variety of loading and discharging projects and has successfully handled over 50,000 combined tonnes to and from vessels. It follows that our CC4800 crane has been an invaluable cog in the Shepherd Offshore machine and a lynchpin of our Neptune Energy Park operations.
 
The CC4800 operations have been so successful that we have recently constructed even more quay space, to allow increased movements. Further, we have recently transformed our dry dock into a maritime test tank. Here, the CC4800 is crucial in providing heavy and movable lifts.
 
Shepherd Offshore is working with several partners at Neptune Energy Park, where our expertise allows us to deliver the best and most cost-effective possible solutions. The CC4800 fits this objective, adding to our proven track record and capabilities. We envision continuing to work with Mammoet and further developing this harmonious relationship.”
 
The durability of the CC4800 has again proven to be a benefit, as more recently Mammoet was able to supply Shepherd with parts to make essential repairs to the crane and keep it running. Julian Alkemade of Mammoet Used Equipment, comments:
 
“We were delighted to help find the CC4800 a new home when it had reached the end of its working life here at Mammoet. Equipment maintenance is key to how we operate, which means we can be confident that assets meet the most demanding requirements and standards.
 
As a global business with an extensive equipment inventory, we frequently have high quality assets available for purchase - such as cranes, prime movers and SPMTs. The Mammoet Used Equipment platform creates value for our customers, offering equipment that is reliably well-maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
 
This equipment is available throughout the world, at a price that is affordable to most local crane and heavy lift suppliers. Even when cranes have been in service with Mammoet for decades – like this CC4800 – our customers can rely on the quality of the equipment they receive”.
 
To view current stock available from Mammoet Used Equipment – including all terrain cranes, city cranes, crawler cranes, trucks, trailers, SPMTs and other auxiliary lifting systems - please visit usedequipment.mammoet.com.

Mammoet
Mammoet helps clients with Smarter, Safer and Stronger solutions to any heavy lifting or transport challenge. We aim to develop long term relationships in order to understand their businesses and challenges best, so we can realize the most efficient and cost-effective approaches. We have a unique global network and an unparalleled fleet of equipment. Through deep and longstanding engineering expertise and the highest quality and safety standards in execution we bring an intelligent and flexible approach to projects across a wide breadth of industry sectors. Clients trust us to help them achieve feats that were once considered impossible, and we have often broken records in doing so.

For more information, visit www.mammoet.com

Published in Transport & Logistics
Tagged under
Wednesday, 06 October 2021 09:30

Modern modular mine built from bigger blocks

The State of Western Australia is one of the world’s key producers of iron ore – a critical raw material in steelmaking. But such resources are in remote locations, even by Australia’s vast standards. BHP’s  US$3.6 billion South Flank project, located in the Pilbara region, uses digital connectivity and autonomous-ready fleets, and is one of the most advanced of its kind in Australia.

To build this facility, over 1,000 components needed to be transported to site safely, on schedule and in the right sequence. These items - with a cumulative weight in excess of 29,500t - needed to be transported 340km across the state’s barren interior. This had to be done within a demanding timeframe to keep the construction schedule on track.

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The cargo would be taken from the ship’s hook at Port Hedland and across a route largely consisting of public highways. Transporting these modules in the largest possible pieces would reduce the time spent integrating them on site - but the maximum transport size is always limited by the width and condition of the route.

The possibilities for what could be transported on this stretch of tarmac were pushed to new limits as Mammoet delivered a 349t module comprising the train load out bin gate and HPU module. This was the heaviest load ever carried along this stretch of Western Australia’s Great Northern Highway.

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Early planning creates new possibilities

Restrictions were also placed on when modules could be transported, which varied depending on their size: those wider than 8.5m needed to travel at night, so that the transport had the lowest economic impact on the surrounding community, and public road users. A rolling roadblock was set up to shut down the highway in sections, minimizing the transport’s impact further still.

To achieve this required skilled logistics planning and early engagement with the project’s Construction Contractors - to identify precisely what could be transported and how.

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Pete O’Connell, Senior Project Manager at Mammoet explains:

“Engagement at the planning stage with EPCs can help to optimize how our package of work integrates with other workflows. It was particularly critical in this case - given the size and volume of components that needed to be on site in a specific order and timeframe for construction to proceed smoothly.

We were able to advise the modularization engineers on how to get maximum benefit from the load sizes possible on the route, in terms of their overall dimensions and the maximum weights to cross structures such as bridges. We were then able to plan from the very start the equipment and expertise we would need to best carry out the work.”

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Mammoet utilized a specially-built trailer type to minimize the weight of the transport equipment itself and therefore increase the size of module that could be carried. Overall weight limitations on Australian highways meant a lighter alternative to the traditionally utilized 4-file platform trailer was needed to avoid reducing the size of the modules themselves.

Smaller module sizes, of course, mean more transportations - and in turn additional transport and integration costs. Mammoet’s extensive equipment inventory was put to good use in devising a 3-file trailer solution. This allowed the desired size of module to be transported within local regulations.

Tightening timeframe

Delivery of such a large scale of transport work was already a significant challenge within the planned 15-month timescale, but due to delays earlier in the project schedule this cargo needed to be transported in a shorter timeframe.

This meant that resources needed to double – and fast. A tough task in this desolate and sparsely-populated part of the world, but with its global reach and standardized learning systems Mammoet was able to source and train more operatives from within Australia to quickly step up the pace.

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Despite ongoing travel restrictions due to coronavirus, Mammoet was able to mobilize a team of over 90 people – half of whom came from outside the state or abroad. Before long, crews were working across day and night shifts at Port Hedland, keeping things on schedule.

Another important part of this solution was to increase the number of trailers being used, avoiding the need for them to be reconfigured between journeys, hence achieving a faster turnaround. With the industry’s biggest equipment fleet, Mammoet was able to redeploy trailers from across Australia and the wider region. O’Connell continues:

“Flexibility is always key in large projects such as this, as changes in project schedules are to be expected. As the largest supplier in our industry, the talent pool, training capabilities and equipment inventory that we have access to prove invaluable in making sure we can react quickly and adapt to client requirements - avoiding delays even if there is a change to the plan.”

A productive new asset

A key development in driving economic growth for the Pilbara region and the State of Western Australia, BHP’s $3.6 billion South Flank mine has created more than 2,500 construction jobs and 600 ongoing operational roles. It is set to provide a profitable asset for BHP and secure employment for the Pilbara population for decades to come.

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Wouter Mink, Managing Director of Mammoet Australia:

“We are delighted that South Flank delivered first ore during May 2021. This project helps to continue our commitment to the Pilbara region. The transport package was always going to play a key role in achieving this, and we were extremely pleased to have delivered this successfully despite the challenges we faced - including a global pandemic impacting on how, when and where we could source our team.”

Construction of this 21st century facility using modern modularized techniques was aided significantly by Mammoet’s expertise in getting over 1,000 oversized items to site safely and on time; and also by providing critical guidance to optimize the size of cargo and ensure the most efficient project. It is a sentiment echoed by Heath Tyler, BHP South Flank Area Project Manager:

“The South Flank project represents a major investment by BHP and a key element in our strategy for the region. With the transport package playing such a critical part in achieving a successful build, we needed a partner that had the proven expertise, equipment and boots on the ground to deliver. Mammoet has proven a great fit for these criteria.”

Mammoet
Mammoet helps clients with Smarter, Safer and Stronger solutions to any heavy lifting or transport challenge. We aim to develop long term relationships in order to understand their businesses and challenges best, so we can realize the most efficient and cost-effective approaches. We have a unique global network and an unparalleled fleet of equipment. Through deep and longstanding engineering expertise and the highest quality and safety standards in execution we bring an intelligent and flexible approach to projects across a wide breadth of industry sectors. Clients trust us to help them achieve feats that were once considered impossible, and we have often broken records in doing so.

For more information, visit www.mammoet.com

Published in Mining
Tagged under
Tuesday, 05 October 2021 10:00

FOCUS30 crane completes first project

 Crane for confined spaces delivers lift at complex refinery site

Mammoet has completed the first lift using its innovative FOCUS30 crane; helping to reduce disruption during scheduled turnaround activity at a refinery in the UK. The FOCUS30 performed a top-and-tail lifting operation in tandem with a 500-tonne mobile crane, in order to install a vessel at the facility.
 
The FOCUS30 is designed to deliver significant lifting capacity at complex sites. As it is erected vertically in sections, the crane requires no laydown area during assembly of its boom. Thus, it can be built away from active plant, and less infrastructure must be disrupted or closed during its use.
 
During mobilization, this theory became reality. A conventional crawler crane would need to be built over a nearby pipe rack and cause a site road to be temporarily closed for a number of days. However, the FOCUS30 was maneuvered in sections around key infrastructure and its boom was raised within the area of the crane’s own footprint – reducing disruption.

The FOCUS360 lifts the new vessel into position on siteThe FOCUS360 lifts the new vessel into position on site

Mammoet first transported the new vessel approximately 3km from a local port, using 36 axle lines of SPMT. It was then positioned in a staging area so that the transport arrangement could be reconfigured to suit onsite requirements.
 
To facilitate the onsite route, a bespoke ‘book end’ transport frame was used, alongside the hydraulic stroke of the transporters themselves, to navigate the vessel under a number of low pipe racks. Once it reached its installation location, the FOCUS30 and a 500 tonne mobile crane were used in tandem to lift the vessel and set it securely on its foundations.
 
The FOCUS30 opens up new and innovative possibilities to engineer complex lifts in equally complex environments. In this case, it drove efficiency by delivering lifting capacity to a very compact location - allowing turnaround activity to continue in areas of the site that would have otherwise been needed to assemble a crawler crane.
 
In the future, FOCUS30 will enable large industrial facilities to expand, delivering increased energy for growing populations worldwide.

Mammoet
Mammoet helps clients with Smarter, Safer and Stronger solutions to any heavy lifting or transport challenge. We aim to develop long term relationships in order to understand their businesses and challenges best, so we can realize the most efficient and cost-effective approaches. We have a unique global network and an unparalleled fleet of equipment. Through deep and longstanding engineering expertise and the highest quality and safety standards in execution we bring an intelligent and flexible approach to projects across a wide breadth of industry sectors. Clients trust us to help them achieve feats that were once considered impossible, and we have often broken records in doing so.

For more information, visit www.mammoet.com

Published in Oil & Gas
Tagged under

Massive module loaded-out safely and to schedule

Mammoet has loaded out a main support frame (MSF) module in Thailand, using a significant 604 axle lines of SPMT at Aibel Thailand’s yard in Leam Chabang. This module was the largest ever fabricated by Aibel Thailand and the largest to be loaded-out in Thailand using SPMTs. The mega MSF module weighed approximately 14,500t, and at 16,258t with grillage.
 
As Mammoet has worked closely with Aibel Thailand in the last decade, assisting Aibel in almost all of their heavy transportation work, Mammoet was once again selected as the trusted partner to perform this record-breaking module transportation.

Strong coordination amongst Mammoet, Aibel and various other stakeholders were required for the load-out of this module onto the ship. Strong coordination amongst Mammoet, Aibel and various other stakeholders were required for the load-out of this module onto the ship.

Mammoet’s global network of engineering expertise meant that it was able to provide Aibel with a project team made up of professionals from all over the world. The team included specialists from Thailand and Mammoet’s Global Offshore Services division, who were in charge of weighing the module, while mechanics and supervisors from Australia, Malaysia, Netherlands and Thailand covered the site move and load-out execution using the SPMT trailers.
 
The 604 axle lines of SPMT and 21 PPUs were sourced from various depots in Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East. It was a logistical challenge for the team to bring in such a significant number of SPMTs from different locations due to COVID-19 restrictions, which complicated shipping schedules. Nonetheless, all equipment was mobilized on time, and all trailers were assembled weeks before the load-out took place. The team’s strong technical expertise ensured all axle-lines functioned together and are ready on time.

Despite logistical challenges brought about due to COVID-19 restrictions, the team ensured all 604 axle lines were mobilized and connected weeks before the load-out took place. Despite logistical challenges brought about due to COVID-19 restrictions, the team ensured all 604 axle lines were mobilized and connected weeks before the load-out took place.

On site, weighing of the MSF module was completed using Mammoet’s weighing system swiftly; within a day. Once the load cells were removed, the SPMT trailers were driven in position under the MSF module.
 
With the SPMTs in position and the hydraulic and electronic systems connected, the module was lifted up from the fabrication supports using the SPMTs’ suspension systems. The site move covered approximately 700m in distance to the load out quay, and it was completed the day before the load out onto the vessel took place.
 
The following day, Mammoet, Aibel and the crew of the vessel coordinated well to ensure load-out of this module went smoothly onto the ship. It took a few hours before the module was rolled onto the vessel and accurately aligned with the grillage.
 
Shimming and adjusting procedures were undertaken before the MSF module could be completely set down on the vessel. After this, the SPMT trailers were removed from underneath the module.
 
The mega MSF module has since been shipped to Norway and is now part of Equinor’s fifth platform for the Johan Sverdrup oil field. The oil field is expected to have a daily production capacity of up to 535,000 barrels by the end of this year.

Mammoet
Mammoet helps clients with Smarter, Safer and Stronger solutions to any heavy lifting or transport challenge. We aim to develop long term relationships in order to understand their businesses and challenges best, so we can realize the most efficient and cost-effective approaches. We have a unique global network and an unparalleled fleet of equipment. Through deep and longstanding engineering expertise and the highest quality and safety standards in execution we bring an intelligent and flexible approach to projects across a wide breadth of industry sectors. Clients trust us to help them achieve feats that were once considered impossible, and we have often broken records in doing so.

For more information, visit www.mammoet.com

Published in Transport & Logistics
Tagged under
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