44 electric systems for Brazil

In May 2012 MDL received an order from one of its most established clients for a package of winches to go on board a pipelay support vessel (PLSV), purpose-built for Brazil operations. The package consisted of 10 winches ranging between 5-tonne and 40-tonne specifications, as well as a 10-tonne tensioner on a ramp.

MDL designed, manufactured and commissioned the winches and the tensioner completely in-house. These bespoke MDL deck winches are fully electric and Lloyds-approved. The 10Te Overbender Tensioner (OBT) features a pivoting top track, adjustable lower chute and a built-in electrical power unit. MDL also delivered the drive and PLC package and stored underdeck, along with the fully integrated software package allowing the combined system to interface with the client SCADA system for overall safe and efficient back-deck operations.

Following this delivery, the client requested 3 more identical sets, delivered in separate instalments for its other PLSVs destined for Brazil. All the deliveries were made ahead of schedule. MDL continued its support to the client since the delivery, by providing on-vessel assistance with 5-yearly maintenance by its expert in-house technicians.