The Milan-based company had to upgrade the crawlers working in the oil and gas fields, and order four new Manitowoc cranes with unique customisations. The cranes reflect a significant upgrade to Saipem’s fleet. While buying the new cranes, ATCO, the mobile equipment department of Saipem, took the opportunity to tailor its new machines for the work it does in remote areas, both onshore and off, and in deep-water seas.
The work was carried out as part of Manitowoc Lift Solutions, a service that employs experts from the company’s engineering, purchasing, operations and sales groups to quote, engineer and produce crawler cranes and attachments for unique applications.
Saipem’s new cranes include two Manitowoc 14000 crawler cranes, a Manitowoc 777 and a Manitowoc 999.
The modifications consisted of: Adding a hydraulic tagline winch to aid with load-handling stability in offshore lifting applications; Personnel-handling winch and two-shaft upper boom point to safely and efficiently transport crew from land to barge with no changes to rigging equipment, saving rigging time and effort; Sea salt water protection for all new custom components to protect from corrosion; For example, the backup hydraulic power unit was specified as heavy marine duty and includes a large stainless steel box; A special zinc-based primer, in addition to the standard priming and paint process, to provide superior corrosion resistance; Custom lights installed on each crane’s boom for better visibility while working in the dark; An emergency backup hydraulic power that can swing, hoist and lower all winches, and can also lift and lower the boom in case of engine failure; The unit is powered by an electric power source in case the cranes’ engines malfunction.
All of the new equipment and upgrades had to be designed to comply with the RINA (Registro Navale Italiano) certification, to ensure the work complied with both national and international rules. This certification was crucial to finalising a deal between Manitowoc and Saipem.
The cranes are to be delivered to Saipem in 2013. The deal was finalised in May 2012.
