Ulstein’s Little Bird Makes Big Difference (VIDEO)

June 3, 2015

Ulstein has developed the ULSTEIN COLIBRI™ crane add-on, a 3D motion-compensated handling system for the purpose of increasing vessel operability. This will enable smaller and more cost-effective vessels to be used in harsher weather conditions.

This compact crane add-on system can be mounted on standard cranes, whether new or existing.

The system is suitable to serve both the offshore wind energy industry as well as the oil and gas markets. A full scale prototype with a capacity of 2.5 mT is under development.

The ULSTEIN COLIBRI™ is the first product under development in the company’s “mastering motions” programme, where equipment development is an important issue.

“3D motion-compensation technology is not new to the industry and has enabled greater operability for personnel transfer between vessels and fixed offshore platforms through the use of motion-compensated gangways. Operations typically require both personnel and items to be transferred between vessel and platform.

“The next natural step in increased operability is therefore motion-compensated lifting to match the increased operability offered by compensated gangways,” the company explained.