Crane upgrade for A2Sea

Damen Shiprepair Amsterdam is upgrading the main crane on A2Sea’s offshore wind turbine erection vessel Sea Installer.

It is the main part of a modification and maintenance project on the 132 metre jack-up ship so it can be used to lift heavier and larger wind turbine components. Capacity of the crane will be increased from 800 to 900 tonnes and the boom will be lengthened.

To help the project run smoothly components were prefabricated by Niron Staal Amsterdam, part of Damen Shiprepair & Conversion. These include the new boom rest, hook block pockets, trolley rail and support stools. A new A-frame and winch from A2Sea will be fitted.

Heavy lifting is also part of the project, explained Daniel Gerner, Damen project manager, “We need to remove a total of 569 tonnes from the vessel and lift a further 702 tonnes back on board again.” International heavy lifting and transport specialist Mammoet will use a 600 tonne capacity Liebherr LR 1600-2 lattice boom crawler crane.

In addition to the crane, the jacking system is receiving attention. “We have divers currently in the water to inspect the spud cans – and we are also replacing one of the jacking cylinders,” Gerner said.