This is how Global transport, logistics and heavy engineering specialist Fagioli have developed a unique jack-up system for heavy-duty transport projects. This dynamic system working in combination with their self-propelled Cometto SPMT fleet offers limitless new possibilities for future load out operations.
The jack-up system was installed onto the deck of the Cometto modules and immediately demonstrated its full versatility with the transportation and load-out operations of oversized offshore wind farm jackets. With weights reaching over 1,800 tons and heights of up to 80 meters “The jack-up system proved to be the perfect solution for load out operations, especially where locating cones fitted to the jacket legs required accurate insertion into the grillage of the vessel and the standard SPMT stroke is insufficient”, explains Alberto Magni, Fagioli General Manager for the Asia-Pacific region. “The jackets were safely transported at the full height, then upon reaching the final set down position on the roll-on/roll-off vessel, the jackets are then safely lowered down into the grillage.”
Combination of SPMTs, Jack-up system and transport beams
The entire transport system is comprised of three main elements: 96 Axle Lines of Cometto self-propelled modular transporters with a combined payload capacity of 4,608 tons, an jack-up system with four electronically synchronized lifting towers with a capacity of 2,400 tons and specialized modular transport beams fabricated by Fagioli, each with a 23 meters span in the standard format. These three elements each have the potential to be adjusted to suit the project requirements. The utilization of such a jack-up system configuration allows for a smooth and cost-effective roll-on operation, as well as internal yard movements in compliance with the standard DNV-GL requirement for load-out projects. Fagioli has already safely and successfully completed the load out operations of 32 jackets weighting up to 1.800 tons each.
Agility - even in tight areas
Together with the Cometto axle lines, this jack up configuration unifies different advantages for tackling particularly challenging missions. Tomasz Milewski, Fagioli Engineering Manager for the Asia-Pacific region, states “Thanks to the extreme maneuverability of the Cometto SPMTs, this set up can be used in very congested areas”. “For example, fabrication yards with simultaneous activities and even with a ground bearing pressure equal to 10 tons per square meter.” In this configuration the SPMT can be used with either a 3-point hydraulic suspension or with 4-points in the case of a higher level of stability being required.
The jacking process is performed by the jack-up units, a fully integrated and synchronized system which allows the lifting of entire jackets without any risk of overloading. Modular “barrels” are inserted into each lifting tower to elevate the jacket by one-meter increments.
The overall combination is an impressive construction which nevertheless is very agile and safely permits up to four degrees of lateral movement.
Date of publication: 12/2022