30,000 tonne load out for ALE

International heavy lift and transport company ALE has completed the load out of the first 30,000 tonne CAT-J jack up rig in July, using a skidding system that was designed for the project in South Korea.

The load out took place at the Samsung Heavy Industries Shipyard. The jack-up rig, which weighed more than 30,000 tonnes, was built on top of supports on a concrete track 20 metres from the quayside.

ALE’s self propelled skidding system and ballasting system was used to load out the jack up rig from the quay onto a floating drydock barge. The 76 skid shoes, each with a 650 tonne capacity jack, were installed underneath the rig. By extending these cylinders, the load was transferred from the building supports to the skidding system, the company said.

The three-point hydraulic suspension was created to control and check the stability of the system during the load out, said ALE. The ballast system was installed beside the internal ballast system of the floating drydock itself. This provided sufficient ballasting capacity for the tide during the load out and was used to compensate the barge when the load was transferred from the skidding system, the company said.

Nico den Engelsen, ALE supervisor, said, “By using the overview from the control room, we could keep the operation easily within the predetermined limits. Speaking on behalf of the team, I can say that we are incredibly proud of the system and how it represents the next level of skidding capabilities. We are yet to reach the limits of the system and look forward to continue to push the boundaries again in future projects.”

The CAT-J project involves the creation and delivery of tailor made rigs for both surface and subsea wells in the shallow water segments on the Norwegian continental shelf. The rigs are designed to boost oil recovery with a less expensive, more efficient and safer production process, said ALE.