HLS Refurbishment

An externally acquired horizontal lay system required a major overhaul to be fit for purpose. It showed significant corrosion, outdated modifications and structural deficiencies: welded grillage legs and davit arms had to be removed and the original chute was no longer suitable. Severely corroded hydraulics and fixings also needed full replacement to restore safe operation and reliability.

MDL restored the asset’s structure and upgraded its systems. The Project Management & Engineering Team led fabrication of key components, including the new grillage, high-tension chute and trolley beams. MDL replaced all hydraulics and electrics and the unit was modified for multiple tensioned setups and integrated with a hang-off beam. A 4.5m chute was introduced to accommodate an increased MBR and handle a range of products.

The overhaul restored functionality and increased the system's capacity to 85Te. The upgraded asset featured a brand-new hydraulic system, modernised electrical panels and full hang-off beam integration. By repurposing the original chute as an overboarding chute, MDL maximised asset value, reduced waste and strengthened the capabilities of its own fleet.