ALE Takes Heavy Lifting to Another Level

ALE has achieved another world record with the load-out of the 47,830t Arkutun Dagi topside. This weight, which was the combination of the 42,695t topside positioned on a 5,135t load-out support frame is the heaviest to be loaded-out in the world.

ALE’s full scope of work included the stand jack pulling, high capacity modular ballast system and precision 3D barge monitoring. In addition to this, ALE also supplied the full engineering scope and supervision of the overall load-out. Due to the record weight, the working tolerances of the barge were much smaller than during a conventional load-out.
 
The high capacity modular ballast system is adapted for each barge – the bespoke system for this project included 2400 Cu M / Hr ballast pumps. This enabled the ballast pump and power pack operation to be completed from one central control by using a computerised PLC control.

The computer system provides, tank sounding, flow rates, tidal monitoring and HPU control. This innovative system also allows the flow distribution for the barge to be controlled with a click of a mouse.
 
Russ Jones General Manager for ALE – Offshore Services said: “Working on such a prestigious project really shows how ALE are leading the way with technology. When you are working to such tight tolerances, technology and experience really are the key to success.

The precision barge level monitoring system was developed in-house and gives you the comfort factor when you are out there working in the project, knowing the accuracy and reliability of the system allows ALE to push the boundaries and make such projects possible’.