Load testing complete on Huisman giant

Huisman has completed load testing of its 600 tonne capacity pedestal crane onboard Wind Turbine Installation Vessel MPI Resolution.

It represented the final step before the crane was handed over to customers Centrica Renewable Energy Ltd and MPI Offshore Limited.

The crane was constructed, installed, commissioned and tested at the Huisman facility in Schiedam, The Netherlands, with the final load test taking place at the Keppel Verolme yard in Rozenburg, The Netherlands. The fact that the handover took place within 15 months after signing of the first agreement was a major achievement from all parties, said the company.

The 600 tonne crane combines unique technical features, including a full electric variable frequency drive system, a low overall construction weight and a small minimum operating radius, said the company. Furthermore, all major equipment, such as hoist winches, is installed inside the enclosed crane house. This offers a good protection for the harsh marine environment.

With the new crane MPI Resolution will be able to handle larger wind turbine components for long term vessel charterer Centrica. It will first be deployed at the 270 MW Lincs wind farm project, off the mid-east coast of England.

Huisman is scheduled to deliver a second 600 tonne pedestal crane to another client in the fourth quarter of 2011.