The Netherlands: Crane Barge Conquest MB1 Successfully Completes Offshore Lifting Trials

Two approximately 200 ton test weights were unloaded by heavy lift crane barge Conquest MB1, from the DP feeder vessel Abis Dublin. The test lifts were successfully performed in weather conditions with waves of 0.5 to 1.5 meter, waveperiods of 2 to 9 seconds and windspeeds of 23 to 29 knots (12 to 15 m/s. 6 to 7 beaufort).

The equipment in use during the lifting trials were:
– Conquest MB1 (Crane barge with a 1.500 ton revolving offshore crane)
– MV Abis Dublin (Open-top cargo vessel with DP capability operated by Abis and Amasus Shipping)
– Dutch Blue (54T AHT owned by Holland Offshore B.V) for towage and keeping positioning of Conquest MB1
– Cranemaster heave compensator in crane hook
– AH industries C/T winches for control of the weights during lifting
– Siri Marine motion monitoring sensors and Marine position / surface navigation system (Orca Pilot + DGPS compass)

Deugro Denmark A/S, Amasus Offshore B.V. and Conquest Offshore B.V. completed the seatrials as a validation towards offering a complete turnkey package to the offshore wind industry. This includes a feeder system for the direct transportation to the jobsite, offshore unloading to an installation vessel and installation of foundations. The innovative feeder system is a cost effective solution to revolutionize the transport and installation of foundations, transitions pieces, turbines and other cargo / equipment related to the offshore wind energy market.

Conquest Offshore B.V. is a Dutch Joint Venture between Concordia and Zwagerman for offshore transportation, removal, refurbishment and construction activities. Both companies have a proven track record of success in the marine and offshore industry.

The new built 1500 ton offshore heavy lift crane barge, Conquest MB 1, is equipped with an accurate and fully automated anti-heeling system and a free deck space of 3700m² for 9000 tons of cargo.

Principal Particulars Conquest MB 1:
• Built 2012
• 136 x 36 m heavy duty barge
• Total free deck space for cargo 3700 m˛ for 9000 tons of cargo
• Deck strength of 20 ton/ m˛
• Complete ballast and fully automatic anti heeling system
• 1500 metric ton revolving lifting capacity
• Dynamic Load System (DLS)
• 63-75 m (207-246 ft) heavy duty double boom
• 97-124 m (318-400 ft) long single boom

Principal Particulars Abis Dublin:
• Built 2012
• Single/Tween/Box/Open top
• DP1, del system L3, Speed: 12 knots
• DWT: 6000 metric tons
• LOA: 107,95 m, Beam: 16 m, Draught: 5,50 m
• Del 6x scania and place 3000KW / Scania / Diesel elect.

Principal Particulars AHT Dutch Blue:
• Built 2012
• Dimensions: 52,80 m x 13,20 m x 5,20 m
• Draught: 4,50 m
• Service speed: 11,5 knots
• Bollard pull: 50 – 54 metric tons
• Capacity: 37 persons

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Press release, January 31, 2013; Image: Conquest Offshore