Liebherr’s maritime customer service is carrying out a modernisation project on Sakhalin Energy’s Molikpaq offshore platform off the Russian island of Sakhalin. Two RL 1500 ram luffing offshore cranes are going to be completely renewed. In addition, a BOS 1900 will be upgraded with the same generation control system as the RL 1500.
Since December 2008, oil from the platform streams through the trans-Sakhalin pipeline system to the oil export terminal of the Prigorodnoye production complex. After two decades of continuous operation, the existing three offshore cranes now need to be renewed. In terms of planning, logistics, technology and craftsmanship, this is an extraordinarily demanding conversion project. Several Liebherr companies cooperated
with each other to implement the project.
Support structure in place
The replacement of the first crane (BOS) with a brand-new RL 1500 has already been undertaken. In order to be able to move large parts on
the platform, Liebherr installed a 230 HC-L 8/16 Litronic support tower crane. In addition, a sliding system was designed and built by the
company´s customer service team to move particularly heavy components and modules over the platform.
The second phase, the modernisation of the existing BOS 1900, has also already been completed. The main reason which triggered this modernisation was to have the same software and handling for the crane operators as for the two new RL 1500s. A further reason was to use the same control system components to increase spare parts interchangeability
and availability. Simultaneously reducing spare parts storage costs.
The third phase will include the installation of the second ram luffing crane.
Characteristics
Both RL 1500 cranes are characterised by a cylinder luffing box boom design and a diesel hydraulic driven main engine. When it comes to the project specifics, the cranes can handle loads up to 65 tons, equating to 25 more tons than the standard lifting capacity of the RL 1500.
Arctic temperatures
This customised solution has been ensured by providing a three fall reeving. Equipped with a main and an auxiliary hoist the RL
cranes have a maximum reach of 42,6 metres. This makes them an ideal solution for general purpose applications such as maintenance work or lifting supply.
Taking environmental conditions into account, the cranes are equipped with an arctic temperature package which allows operation down to -36°C. Another feature is the large and comfortable cabin. Upon customer request, a mid-sized cabin with 10m³ can be installed.
Liebherr
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www.liebherr.com
