Get to know our engineering services and lift analysis

But, don’t despair. Our engineering department can assist with in-depth analysis of the offshore lifting operation. This is especially valuable when performing heavy lifting in demanding operating conditions.

Virtual simulations that replicate reale world conditions

At the core of our engineering services, is the ability to craft simulations that replicate the real-world conditions perfectly. We do so using the analytical tool “OcraFlex”, meticulously creating a virtual model of the installation site, feeded with data like wave heights and lengths to vessel types and crane capacities.

Advancement in technology in recent years offer larger, heavier and complex subsea structures along with large capacity crane vessels. The advanced systems improve the efficiency of lifting equipment and enhance the safety of offshore projects. Such operations require more rigorous analysis to estimate appropriate design for the rigging and the operability of the crane vessel.Understanding of the operations and limiting factors helps to formulate the analysis and determines the maximum allowable sea state in which the structure can be installed safely.

“Structures, materials, vessels and crane capacities all create different scenarios. As well as geography. It is fundamental for offshore lifting operations to have adequate knowledge of the wave conditions. Numerous studies have been performed to depict wave conditions both at global and regional levels. It is fascinating to create the most optimum virtual representation of real-world situations,” says our Engineering Specialist Farah Rashid.

When the model is completed, we add the structure that is to be lifted/submerged and the Cranemaster, and run the simulation. The simulations provide insights into the forces exerted during lifts and the enhancements that the Cranemaster unit brings and let us explore different scenarios in a controlled environment.

We typically assist with these three analysis:

1. Force analysis in crane, winch and load during transfer lifts or through the splash zone

The splash zone, the area where structures are intermittently exposed to air and water, presents a unique set of challenges. Submerging heavy structures through this critical zone demands meticulous planning and precise execution to overcome environmental and structural obstacles. Our analysis and simulation predicts the forces being posed on the crane, winch and load when being lifted through the splash zone, and demonstrates how a Cranemaster heave compensator can increase the crane capabilities and mitigate risks, and which unit is the most suitable for the operation.

Read more: Why you need a force analysis before performing a transfer lift through the splash zone

2. Operational weather window calculations

In the context of offshore lifting operations, the term “operational weather window” refers to a specific time frame during which weather and sea conditions are suitable for carrying out lifting or hoisting activities safely and efficiently.

Having feeded the Orca flex-model with technical and environmental data, we run various weather scenarios to determine the limits of the operational window, with and without a Cranemaster heave compensator unit.

Read more: What is an operational weather window

3. Subsea landing speed analysis

Subsea landing speed analysis involves assessing the descent or landing speed of a structure, equipment, or component onto the seabed in underwater environments. Our engineering department creates a virtual model of the subsea landing operation and runs simulations that expose the risks involved within different scenarios. The simulation will then accurately predict the benefits of utilizing a Cranemaster unit, resulting in mitigating risks and saving time and money.

Read more: What is a subsea landing analysis

Cranemaster Provides Three Levels of Lift Analysis Engineering

Feasibility Study

The feasibility study is reported as a technical memo, and uses limited available information about the lift and the application to determine the eventual operational benefit of using Cranemaster.

Limited Level Technical Report

The standard level offshore lift analysis require drawings of the structures, vessel RAO’s and rigging information. The end result is a technical report providing all the simulation results and the weather window using methodology in accordance with DNV recommendations.

Extensive Level Statistical Analysis

In addition to the normal level offshore lift analysis, the extensive level provides a full extreme value statistical analysis of the lifting operation, giving the detailed weather window with an agreed confidence level.