A-frame 5-yearly overhaul & upgrade

The project centred on an offshore A-Frame package, including its winch and hydraulic systems, which had reached the point of a mandatory five-yearly overhaul. MDL inspections revealed ageing components, limited lifting capacity and outdated operator controls, meaning the equipment required refurbishment and upgrades to ensure safe, efficient offshore use.

MDL stripped and refurbished the A-Frame, which included blasting and repainting of the structure. The pneumatic winch was replaced with a 10Te hydraulic winch and the central padeye upgraded from 4Te to 10Te with structural checks. Cylinders were refurbished with counterbalance valves to improve load-holding safety. A new control stand enabled single-operator use, while upgraded handrails improved safety. The scope concluded with FAT and SIT using subsea tooling, demonstrating performance in realistic conditions and proving offshore readiness.

The overhaul restored the system to full working order, with increased lifting capacity, safer operation and improved reliability. Now part of MDL’s Winches & Lifting Solutions (WLS) fleet, the unit is a fully certified, offshore-ready asset with extended service life and enhanced functionality.