When it comes to safe lifting at sea, TTS NMF has time and time again proved itself to be a reliable, knowledgeable and innovative partner.
TTS NMF, a subsidiary of TTS Group since August 2012, envisions a future that makes efficient use of the world’s natural resources.
To this end, TTS NMF welcomes the opportunity to create reliable, safe and innovative solutions for the growing market of offshore energy production. Harnessing wind energy has been recognised as a safe and environmentally sensitive form of energy production.
TTS NMF brings state-of-the-art lifting technology and imaginative engineering to the wealth of hoisting challenges faced when erecting and maintaining offshore wind farms.
The technical requirements of wind farm projects follow a simple logic: high wind resources result in high electricity generation; the farther from the coast and the deeper the water, the more technically challenging and costly the installation of larger turbines with heavier nacelles and foundations. Consequently, these wind farm projects require tighter logistical control and operational management, such as the deployment of specialised vessels with heavy-lift offshore cranes (HLOCs).
Market studies show the need for high-tech HLOCs. Heavy-lift crane requirements with a safe working load (SWL) greater than 800t are now necessary for most new wind farms ordered or under construction.
TTS NMF delivered one of these specialised offshore cranes to a customer in 2013. The so-called ‘crane around the leg’ (CAL) type has a SWL of 900t, and was engineered and manufactured at the TTS NMF facility in Hamburg, Germany. This HLOC was developed for installing and maintaining wind farms, and handling other heavy cargo.
Long-standing experience, a thorough understanding of the technical issues involved and detailed knowledge gained through the execution of more than 160 SWL 350-1,000t heavy-lift crane contracts makes TTS NMF a reliable partner in the heavy cargo-lifting and offshore wind sector.
Extraordinary lifting capabilities
The SWL 900t CAL has the following special features:
- lifting capacity of SWL 900t at 30m and SWL 240t at 80m
- jib length of more than 93m and 140m vertical way of hook
- ring-shaped crane house design arranged around the starboard aft leg
- high speeds for hoisting, luffing and slewing in each load step
- 360° slewing range
- continued operation of all main functions at reduced speeds in the event of sudden engine failure
- short communication chain between producers
- and consumers
- no hydraulics on the jib
- protective cover to shelter the winches in harsh environmental conditions
- simple access to the main hoisting components for service procedures, maintenance and repair work
- larger drums with fewer layers result in thicker and shorter ropes with an extended operational lifetime.
All systems go
As part of its current development, TTS NMF participated in different tender processes for a 1,500t CAL. This crane is equipped with a jib designed as a lattice structure, along with parallel boom sections in order to allow enough clearance to lift the jib around the jacking leg and to the resting position.
Due to the large boom size, a park assistance system is installed to support the crane operator in finding the resting position for the boom when in transit. This system is already integrated in the TTS NMF 900t CAL.
As safety comes first on board all vessels, TTS NMF has also developed an anti-collision system that helps the operator to avoid collisions between the crane and fixed structures by monitoring the boom’s rotation angle and height in relation to the stored coordinates of the fixed structures. Further control is also offered by a memory storage position system and a load swing control system.
As a leading innovator of more than 40 years, TTS NMF continues to expand the horizons of lifting at sea. The company recognises the importance of imagination and flexibility when it comes to supplying fast turnover for customers in today’s changing technical and economic environment.