Damen Shiprepair Amsterdam (DSAm), part of Damen Shiprepair & Conversion, is currently undertaking a major modification and maintenance project on A2SEA’s jack-up vessel Sea Installer , which arrived at DSAm on 10 April.
The yard’s primary focus will be to upgrade the vessel’s main crane. With its increased lifting capacity, the 132-metre vessel – used mainly for offshore wind farm installation, will be able to take on a broader scope of work as offshore wind activities involve heavier and larger components.
The prefabrication of key components is carried out at the nearby Niron Staal Amsterdam facility, also part of Damen Shiprepair & Conversion. Niron Staal fabricated and supplied the new boom rest, hook block pockets, trolley rail and support stools. With these parts ready from the outset, DSAm was able to commence the project at maximum capacity, Damen said.
Furthermore, DSAm has created a temporary lifting and storage area alongside the vessel’s berth to enable safe and efficient lifting procedures. “We need to remove a total of 569 tonnes from the vessel and lift a further 702 tonnes back on board again,” explains Damen Project Manager Daniel Gerner .
With the vessel’s boom, boom rest, A-frame, winch and hook block pockets already removed from the vessel, operations are now in full swing. Ready for lengthening, the boom has been positioned on a support structure consisting of 15 stacked shipping containers. A2SEA is providing the new A-frame and winch.
In terms of capacity, the crane will be upgraded from a single mode 800-tonne crane to a double mode long and short 900-tonne crane (long 700 tonnes and short 900 tonnes).
DSAm is also maintaining Sea Installer’s jacking equipment. “We have divers currently in the water to inspect the spud cans – and we are also replacing one of the jacking cylinders.”
“We are looking at finishing this considerable project within a 2-month timeframe,” Gerner said. “The strong winds that we had here during the first couple of weeks have set us back a bit, but we are still on course for timely completion. If necessary, we can ramp up our work schedule by moving to 24/7 operations.”