Maersk debuts new anchor recovery frame

Rolls-Royce and Maersk cooperated to develop the next-generation ARF. Two hydraulic cylinders and a 1.68m diameter free-rotating roller enable the new frames to operate at a 126° angle to the deck, as opposed to the standard 90°.
The 8840mm wide, 7990mm high recovery frame has a nominal towline tension capacity of 200 tonnes with a lateral force of 50 tonnes. It is capable of operation in temperatures ranging from -20ºC to 45ºC.

Runar Hjelle, area sales manager, Rolls-Royce said: “The new system is designed to reduce the loads generated when anchors are lifted from sea to deck, and lowered from the deck into the sea. When not in use, this innovative recovery frame can be stowed in a deck recess hidden by a mechanically operated hatch cover, providing a much safer working deck environment for ships’ crews.”

Rolls-Royce will supply the ARFs as part of an advanced deck machinery package comprising a triple drum main anchor handling winch with a pull capacity of 500 tonnes; two secondary winches; cargo securing winches and other auxiliary winches; and a dry bulk cargo system. The arrangement also includes Rolls-Royce rudders and steering gear.

The six, 95m long vessels will be delivered from Kleven Verft and Myklebust Verft between Q4 2016 and Q3 2017. If options for an additional four vessels are declared, the last vessel in the series will be delivered in Q1 2018.

John Knudsen, president commercial marine, Rolls-Royce added: “The more complex vessels become, and the greater the focus on safety and efficiency, the more differentiated are the kinds of deck machinery our customers need. The success of this next generation ARF is testament to the close working relationship we have with Maersk.”