Client Types / 

Shipbuilders

Our shipbuilding clients are faced with a range of heavy-lift challenges. These range from lifting and turning studies of large units and blocks, building of support stools and cradle jigs and movement of hull components (either within their facility or externally between partner yards), through to the launching of vessels using semi-submersible barges.

LIFTING AND TURNING STUDIES
During the build or repair of a ship, many sub-components will require lifting and turning. The lifting and turning of units is part of any modern shipbuilding process due to efficiencies that can be gained by building units upside down (anti-ship); this allows easier fitting and welding of complex shaped steel. Units that require to be lifted and turned will need additional handling lugs, structural analysis and lifting analysis carried out in order to ensure a safe lift.


Most of our shipbuilding clients have internal production engineering departments that offer technical assistance in day to day operations. We offer added value through acting as heavy lift experts to assist with more complex problems. We are also on hand to provide an additional resource in situations where the client’s internal teams need assistance due to a
large number of projects being executed at the same time.


CRADLES AND JIGS
When moving ship parts, complete units or even whole ships on trailers or vessels, the shape of the ship or unit often dictates that a build or transport jig is required.

Our experienced team design transport jigs and frames that can carry complex hull units as well as whole blocks and vessels, weighing over ten thousand tonnes. These jigs and frames also allow the transporting and launching of ships on the back of heavy lift semi-submersible vessels.

The design of these jigs varies dramatically, from simple beams for load-spreading using readily available material, to complex assemblies that have their stiffness finely tuned in structural analysis software to ensure
equal distribution of load and minimum deflections under use.

TRANSPORT AND MOVEMENT OF UNITS AND BLOCKS
We have a long history of assisting ship builders move small and large sub-assemblies between different points of manufacture. A range of skills and competencies are required for such transport operations to be successful,
with any gaps having potentially significant risk and cost implications.

Our expert engineering team ensure that the appropriate seagoing vessel is selected, and our chartering experience ensures that the vessel is chartered under the best terms and in line with project requirements. Our
engineering team then carry out the detailed engineering required to deliver the ship unit, including load-out ballasting calculations, trailer stability and strength, sea fastening, support design and vessel stability during the sea voyage. The integration of all services, including technical and operational requirements are managed by our in-house project managers, providing a fully integrated offering.


When an operation goes live, our marine and site operations team attend on site to ensure that all subcontractors are working as part of an integrated team. We complete safety reviews, daily toolbox talks and daily progress reports, all of which are fed back to the client, to keep them abreast of progress at all times.

VESSEL LAUNCHES
Not only do we deliver hull sub-sections, we also assist shipyards with the launching of vessels using semi-submersible barges. This method of vessel launching has gained popularity in recent years, as it offers the
advantages of a floating dry dock or ship lift, but without the capital expense of building, owning and maintaining such an asset. This type of operation offers a wide range of benefits including an increase in pre-launch outfitting as well as a reduction in post-launch dry-docking
with a float-off.

Are you a Shipbuilder?

Part of the

INNOVATING HEAVY LIFT SOLUTIONS