More equipment for Allseas Marine Contractors' pipelay vessel Solitaire is en route to Singapore where construction of the revolutionary vessel is nearing completion at the Sembawang Shipyards.
This spring, a special transport left the Dutch machine and winch manufacturer Bodewes Winches, Nieuwerkerk aan den Ijssel, The Netherlands, carrying a 130-ton abandonment and recovery winch for Solitaire. The subcontractor built the system in 8 months.
HOLLAND'S LARGEST
The winch, according to Bodewes Winches, is the largest of its kind ever built in The Netherlands, measuring 8 x 5 x 4 rn and carrying a total electric drive of 4,291 kw (3,200 hp).
The abandonment and recovery system has three guide sheaves, a slick compensating hydraulic cylinder, and an electric-driven level winder. It is one of the many technological features that will allow the Solitaire to lay up to 60 in. OD pipe in virtually unlimited water depths.
Construction and delivery of the winch were part of a contract package by Allseas and Westech Gear Corp., Lynwood, Calif., for supply of pipe tensioners and the abandonment and recovery system.
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