Conquest MB1 completes lifting trials

An offshore lifting trial has been completed by Deugro, Amasus Shipping and Conquest Offshore, the Netherlands.

For the test, two 200 tonne test weights were unloaded by heavy lift crane barge Conquest MB1, from the DP feeder vessel Abis Dublin.

Weather conditions included waves of 0.5 to 1.5 metres, wave periods of two to nine seconds and wind speeds of 23 to 29 knots (12 to 15 m/s, 6 to 7 Beaufort).

The lifts were made to determine whether offshore lifting operations could be carried out from a free floating vessel to a crane barge. It comes after a joint venture between Deugro, Amasus Shipping/Abis Shipping and Conquest Offshore, who propose to install offshore wind park components.

The plan includes a feeder system, which means feeder vessels can haul components from the manufacturing sites instead of from a nearby “feeder” port, the companies said. This will result in direct transportation to the jobsite.

The Conquest MB1’s 1,500 tonne crane will be used to install foundations and transition pieces. It will also be used for installation of all offshore wind park components, the company said.

The supply of all heavy components from the fabrication yards will be carried out by “open-top” cargo vessels (Abis Dublin or sister vessels), the company added.

The lifting trial was carried out in the Flushing/Westerscheldt area in December 2012.