Technology from Europe:
The Netherlands

Heave compensation system minimizes offshore installation downtime

 The Dutch company IHC Gusto Engineering BV (IHCGE), a member of the IHC Caland Group, announced successful delivery of a 350-mt Active Heave Compensation system (AHC). This system, type AHC 175/40/6200, will be used by Monaco’s SBM on the multifunctional offshore vessel, Normand Progress. The modular system was specially designed and built for deployment onboard offshore installation vessels for a wide range of applications. 

 This project was made a success in a joint effort with Rexroth Hydraudyne BV (RH), the drive and control company from Boxtel, and a member of the Rexroth Bosch Group. As on most projects, the delivery schedule was very tight, to meet SBM’s project schedule. The system was delivered within seven months after order award. The scope of work included a FEED study, design, engineering, procurement, fabrication and dynamic, in-house testing. 

 Utilizing this innovative AHC system will minimize downtime during subsea installation work, and enhance the vessel’s capabilities to carry out such work in deeper water and harsh working conditions with increased loads. The system minimizes the dynamic amplification while lowering heavy loads, such as suction anchors, and improves control during set-down on the seabed. Installation of the AHC onboard the Normand Progress, and commissioning of the system, will be carried out under supervision of Gusto and RH system engineers in Equatorial Guinea during spring 2003. 

 This contract is another addition to the long and versatile reference list of IHCGE, being active in the design, manufacturing and delivery of custom designed complex offshore equipment. It proves once again the added value of cooperation between IHCGE and the RH drive and control company.