Cranemaster® played a crucial role in the successful deep-water installation of a 13.75 x 13.75-meter mudmat in the Gulf of Mexico at a depth of 1,788 meters. The project required a solution that could handle dynamic loads, prevent lowering resonance, and ensure a controlled seabed landing. The Cranemaster® CM3-75T-4000 with passive depth compensation (CMDC) was selected for its ability to optimize performance throughout all phases, from splash zone crossing to subsea landing. The operation was executed flawlessly, significantly extending the weather window and ensuring a safe, efficient installation.
Customer Challenge:
Deploying a large mudmat (13.75 x 13.75 meters) at a depth of 1,788 meters in the Gulf of Mexico presented several operational challenges. The mudmat had to be deployed horizontally for ease of installation while ensuring stability throughout the process.
Key Considerations for Cranemaster®:
The unit needed sufficient load capacity to support dynamic loads at all installation phases.
Its length had to allow for efficient deck handling during deployment.
It had to stroke at any stage without exceeding the maximum allowable limit.
The stiffness had to be low enough to prevent lowering resonance during descent.
Cranemaster® Solution:
A feasibility study demonstrated the benefits of integrating Cranemaster® into the operation. Several critical phases were analyzed:
Lift-off from the supply vessel.
Deployment through the splash zone.
Lowering with resonance checks every 200 meters down to 1,700 meters.
Seabed landing with controlled stroke capacity.
For this project, the Cranemaster® CM3-75T-4000 with passive depth compensation (CMDC) was selected for its unmatched performance in deep-water operations. CMDC, a patented¹ passive depth compensation system, ensured:
Soft and controlled landing by maintaining stroke capacity throughout the descent.
Elimination of resonance risks during lowering.
Optimized performance across splash zone crossing and subsea landing with a single setting.
¹ Patent Information: InterMoore Inc., owner of US patent 7934561 (“Depth Compensated Subsea Passive Heave Compensator”), has granted Cranemaster® the exclusive worldwide rights to use this technology.
Successful Outcome:
The operation was executed successfully, significantly extending the weather window for installation. Mobilization and demobilization were efficiently managed by Cranemaster®'s US representative, Marine & Industrial.
