Macgregor Offshore Cranes Serve Windmill Park Platform
Cargotec is supplying two MacGregor offshore deck cranes for installation on an offshore converter platform, BorWin beta, which will feed 800 MW of renewable energy generated by two offshore windfarms into the German electricity grid. BorWin beta is one of several offshore platforms to be installed in a windmill park maintained by Siemens (image). The platform for transmission system operator TenneT is being built by Nordic Yards Wismar.
The power converter will begin test operation at the end of 2012. The MacGregor luffing cranes have an SWL of 10 t at 41 m outreach and will be used to offload supply vessels, handle materials on BorWin beta’s open deck areas and lower them to the decks below via hatches. They are also ‘man-riding approved’. The platform will be positioned about 125 km from the German coast, and the cranes are designed to withstand harsh North Sea conditions.
Important Order
Jon Helle, sales director, Subsea Load Handling, says: “This is an important order for Cargotec as it reflects our commitment to servicing the renewable energy industry. We are part of this industry, and we are strengthening our position. Sustainability is one of Cargotec’s core values, and we are pleased to be increasing our involvement in the production of clean electrical energy.”
The contract also reinforces Cargotec’s connections with Siemens in the sustainable energy sector. In March, Cargotec entered into a long-term frame agreement with Siemens Wind Power to supply custom-made Hiab cranes for service and maintenance of Siemens wind turbines. The agreement was the result of a fruitful long-term cooperation between Cargotec and Siemens Wind Power.