Offshore Platform Topside Lifting Device for Canal Transit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for transporting large offshore oil, gas, or wind farm platform topsides through narrow canals like the Suez Canal are time-consuming and costly due to height restrictions, requiring disassembly and reassembly at sea ports, which are further delayed by adverse weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
A lifting device with at least four lifting units supported by the seabed, allowing a ship or barge to lift the topside to a higher position using synchronized strand jacks, enabling the topside to be repositioned and secured at the required height for safe passage through canals without disassembly at sea ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the topside is shipped at the required height for placing on the jacket, then the topside can be directly placed on the base without additional lifting, but the ship cannot pass through the Suez Canal due to height restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device employs adjustable lifting arms that can dynamically change the height of the topside during transit. The arms are configured to hold the topside at a lower position when passing through the Suez Canal and can be raised to the required operating height upon arrival at the destination, allowing the same system to satisfy both height restriction and operational height requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the vertical parameter (height) of the topside based on operational requirements. During canal transit, the topside is maintained at a reduced height parameter to satisfy clearance restrictions, while at the destination it is adjusted to the required height parameter for direct placement on the jacket, eliminating the need for additional lifting operations
2Length of moving object
If the topside is shipped at a lower height to pass through the Suez Canal, then the ship can transit the canal, but the topside requires additional lifting operations at the destination which increases time and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device provides dynamic height adjustment capability, allowing the topside to be positioned at lower height during canal transit and automatically raised to operating height upon arrival. This integrated system eliminates the need for separate, time-consuming lifting operations at the destination by performing the height adjustment as part of the normal transit and arrival process
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting device serves multiple functions: it acts as a support structure during transit, provides height adjustment during canal passage, and enables direct placement on the jacket upon arrival. This multi-functional system replaces what would otherwise require separate specialized lifting operations, reducing both time and operational complexity
3Length of moving object
If the topside is disassembled and reassembled at sea ports, then the ship can transport the topside in smaller parts, but the process becomes time-consuming and costly with multiple operations
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device maintains the topside as a single integrated unit throughout transit by providing continuous adjustable support. The dynamic height adjustment capability allows the complete topside structure to be transported without disassembly, eliminating the complex operations of breaking down and reassembling at sea ports while still satisfying canal size restrictions
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 3~4A
Figure 4B~4D
AI summary
A method for building an offshore oil, gas or wind farm platform, wherein at a first location a topside for said oil, gas or windmill farm platform is fastened on a ship or barge by means of first grillage, whereby the topside is at first height relative to the waterline; said ship or barge sails to a second location where said topside is unfastened, raised, and fastened on a ship or barge by means of a second grillage, whereby the topside is at second height relative to the waterline, wherein the second height is higher than the first height; said ship or barge sails to a third location where said topside is placed on top of a jacket of said oil, gas or wind farm platform; said second location is provided with a lifting device; wherein said lifting device comprises at least four lifting units; wherein the ship or barge with the topside moves between said lifting units; wherein said topside is placed on support points of the lifting units and the first grillage is unfastened from the ship; wherein said topside is moved in vertical direction to a higher position by means of actuators; the topside is fastened to the ship or barge by means of a second grillage whereby the topside is at said second height relative to the waterline.