Barge Master to install crane on Wagenborg’s W2W vessel

Dutch offshore vessel owner Wagenborg has awarded Barge Master with a contract for a second 3D motion compensated crane to be installed on its new walk-to-work vessel Kasteelborg.

Barge Master said on Monday that the new contract for an additional BM-T40 motion compensated crane awarded by Wagenborg and the Shell/Nam partnership showcased the success of the first one installed on the W2W vessel Kroonborg.

According to the company, the first motion compensated crane on the Kroonborg increased the workability from approximately 180 to 330 days per year.

The Barge Master crane, as configured for the Kroonborg, makes it possible to continue safe and stable crane operations in the North Sea’s rough conditions.

It is able to lift 32 meters above sea level at a reach of up to 20 meters or 15 tonnes at a reach of 10 meters.

The BM-T40 motion compensated crane will be mounted on the Kasteelborg by Royal Niestern Sander. Earlier this year, this shipyard already converted the Kasteelborg from a PSV into a Walk-to-Work Emergency Response & Rescue Vessel for Wagenborg.

The new walk-to-work vessel will support offshore operations for the combined NAM and Shell UK business unit at the gas production facilities in the Southern North Sea. It will operate as a stand-by and support vessel for inspection and maintenance of unmanned platforms in both Dutch and British waters.

For the fabrication of the new crane, Barge Master is teaming up with Bosch Rexroth following successful work on the first crane as well as Barge Master’s 3D compensated platforms and gangways.

Martijn Koppert, CEO of Barge Master, said: “Barge Master’s motion compensated crane is designed to create a much wider operating window at sea and increases safety and workability considerably.

“I have worked offshore for a long time, and have experienced the problem of swinging load first-hand. A heave compensated crane does not eliminate swinging. That’s why we came up with the 3D motion compensated crane. Simply put, this technology keeps your crane load stable even in choppy waters.”