AME concludes platform crane hoists replacement

MDL has completed a multi-hoist replacement on a North Sea platform’s only crane.

The scope covered the change out of main, boom and auxiliary hoist winches. All the operations were completed on board the platform by MDL’s expert technicians to minimise any production downtime.

The replacement of the hoist winches was executed using a temporary crane; while the replacement of the wire rope on the boom hoist winch was carried out under tension using a spooler positioned on the platform’s helideck. MDL also supplied the tooling, rigging and load testing equipment following the replacements.

The complete Project Management & Engineering was undertaken by MDL AME division (Asset Maintenance & Engineering) and included storyboard development, hoist and wire rope change-out procedures, lift plans, offshore implementation work packs, commissioning and load testing.

Prior to the offshore execution, MDL onshore asset team took delivery of the new hoist winches and spare parts to carry out interface and dimensional survey of the components to de-risk the offshore scope of work.

The AME team was familiar with the crane, as it had carried out the replacement of the boom hoist winch in the summer of 2020.

Shaun Cooper, MDL BD Manager for AME, said:

“We speak of ‘happy returns’ when our teams execute a project on an asset they had previously worked on - and it is indeed a win-win situation for everyone involved.

“There are multiple benefits to the client, particularly in the way of optimising schedules, minimising POB and maximising the project budget.

“Since we had previously carried out the inspection on the platform and reported with our recommendations, we had the data in place allowing us to hit the ground running to efficiently execute the scope.

“Of course, for us it is also a great recognition to return to a client’s asset to help progress their follow-on maintenance and improvement programmes – a sign of their trust and testament to the high standard of service delivered by One Team MDL.”

Over the past 24 months, MDL AME has built an extensive track record focusing heavily on efficient onshore planning prior to successful execution on location.

Using MDL in-house skillset, the division provides complete Project Management and Engineering; maintenance and integrity services on cranes; overhauling and manufacturing services on mechanical handling equipment; as well as maintenance and development of hydraulic systems, electrical systems and instrumentation.