Crane ship upgrade in Dubai

The 50.3m x 42.7m x 4.6m self-elevated crane vessel has undergone extensive maintenance related repair and refurbishment. Extensive maintenance performed on the three truss type 80m long legs including the spud can, which would enable the vessel to attain peak performance in 48m of water. Besides external inspection, blasting and painting of the legs hull, deck, accommodation and tanks was carried out. Leg guides were inspected, replaced and painted.

Around 160 tonnes of steel was renewed. The 2.3m high x 7.6m diameter spud cans and pumping equipment were surveyed for maintenance. Five-yearly inspection of two 70t side cranes resulted in appropriate modification to install man riding. In addition, the Searex Omnilift 210t crane was dismantled, inspected and overhauled.

An Aluminum helideck was supplied and installed. Designed to accommodate BELL 214/212 ST helicopters and approved by Abu Dhabi Aviation Authority, the steel substructure and landing points were fabricated and designed on the vessel. The existing firefighting system was modified to allow landing of helicopters while in afloat mode. Additional booster pumps were provided for fi-fi system and extra lines fabricated from sea chests to the new helideck, and a new heliport was added. The capacity of the submersible pumps and the size of hose reels were increased to suit the Standards of Offshore Helicopter Landing Areas, CAP437.

The accommodation was completely refurbished, including upgraded air conditioning, pipes were replaced, bow and stern thrusters overhauled and tail shafts removed and re-aligned with the gear boxes. The shipyard built and manufactured the upper surface of the vessel consisting of two decks (including radio room and bridge), senior level deck and all stair cases. The scope of work in accommodation was huge, and tested the yard’s engineering experience and expertise. An inclining experiment was carried out during sea trials.

The repair and maintenance carried out by Drydocks World for NDC has increased over the years as the company received four orders late last year to add to eight projects completed prior to 2013.