Complete system for cable guidance on a riser handling crane aboard a drilling vessel

Energy chains, trough modules, and cables: Support from design to commissioning

Riser-handling gantry cranes can be found offshore on drilling vessels, semi-submersibles, and drilling platforms. At sea, the design of the crane girder structure is not the only important consideration. The guidance system for hoses and cables must also be robust and work reliably. For a riser handling crane on a drilling vessel, our engineering team implemented a complete system consisting of energy supply systems, trough modules, and chainflex cables, from design to final acceptance.
  • What was needed: E4.1 series energy chains
  • Requirements: Safe movement of a large number of hoses and cables over long travels at sea
  • Industry: Offshore
  • Success for the customer: The E4.1 plastic energy chain ensures reliable guidance of all media over the long term. The material ensures corrosion resistance and low dead weight. The e-chain is very robust and designed for heavy duty applications.
Offshore crane energy chain

Problem

Cable guidance in the offshore industry often requires compact systems that can bear high cable weight safely and with strain relief in a tight installation space. This riser gantry crane on a drilling vessel also needed a reliable long-term solution for guiding the numerous hoses and cables. Other challenges included the long travels and all-weather use under influences corrosive to the cable guidance system.

Solution

Today, an E4.1 series plastic energy chain system meets the requirements of the riser gantry crane. The e-chain is used extensively in the offshore sector, since it safely moves high cable and hose loads with a low dead weight and works reliably. The material makes it perfect for outdoor use, especially at sea. Chains with reverse travel are among the solutions that can be used to guide a large number of hoses in a confined space, and we also supplied the trough modules. Using the chainflex cables developed for moving applications, our engineering team designed the entire complete system and delivered and accepted it.
Offshore drilling vessel
Pipe handling crane, drilling vessel
Pipe handling crane energy chain