3/12/2024

Conbit SL900: A Smarter Solution for Offshore Wind Lifting Projects

The growth of offshore wind energy calls for innovative solutions to address its unique challenges. Conbit’s SL900 Lifting System offers a versatile and efficient alternative to traditional methods, enabling the safe and reliable lifting of heavy modules—such as transformers and large equipment—on offshore substations.

Transforming Lifting Operations for Offshore Wind

The SL900 Lifting System is specifically designed to overcome the limitations of crane vessels and jack-up barges in offshore wind projects:

Eliminates Dependency on Crane Vessels and Jack-Up Barges: Provides flexibility by avoiding long lead times and availability issues with these resources.
No Need for Seabed Surveys: Unlike jack-up barges, the SL900 eliminates the requirement for costly and time-consuming seabed assessments.
Optimized for Favorable Weather Seasons: Projects can proceed during optimal weather windows without waiting for the idle periods of crane vessels or jack-up barges, which often coincide with less favorable conditions.

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How the SL900 Benefits Offshore Substation Projects

The SL900 excels in offshore wind applications by lifting components that are rarely replaced, such as transformers or large structural modules. Here’s how:

Direct Lifting Capability: Components are lifted directly from supply vessels, streamlining operations.
Minimized Weather Delays: Reduces the risk of scheduling disruptions due to unfavorable conditions.
Cost and Time Efficiency: Avoids the high costs and delays associated with jack-up barge mobilization and crane vessel standby fees.

Key Features of the SL900 Lifting System

Lifting Capacity Exceeding 150 Metric Tonnes: Handles heavy modules with precision and reliability.
Modular Design: Assembles on-site, making it adaptable for offshore substations.
Rapid Mobilization: Ready to deploy in line with project schedules.
Weather-Resilient Planning: Projects can proceed during favorable weather conditions, avoiding seasonal downtime.

Typical Use Case: Transformer Replacement on Offshore Substations

Consider an offshore wind substation requiring a transformer replacement. Traditional methods often involve deploying a crane vessel or jack-up barge, with challenges such as:

Limited vessel availability, requiring scheduling in idle seasons when weather conditions are poor.
Additional costs for seabed surveys and barge stabilization.
Potential weather delays, increasing the risk of budget overruns.

With the SL900 Lifting System, these challenges are mitigated.

Transformers are delivered to the site by supply vessel.
The SL900 is assembled and mobilized directly at the substation.
The replacement is completed efficiently, minimizing time and cost.

Ready to Upgrade Your Offshore Wind Projects?

Our team is ready to discuss how the SL900 Lifting System can optimize your offshore wind operations. From replacing critical components to enabling efficient, weather-resilient lifting, the SL900 ensures your projects stay on track.

Book a consultation today or email Bram van Oirschot, Commercial Director, to learn how the SL900 can elevate your offshore wind success.

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