Lifting challenge for Smit Anambas conversion
The conversion of a semi-submersible offshore transport barge into a cable lay pontoon meant more than locating the cable reel, as there was no place for the crew.
Chartered to Global Marine Systems for operation in the North Sea, the Smit Anambas needs a crew of 60. However, although a good 115m long by 31.6m wide, the vessel was short of suitable accommodation. Shipyard De Hoop was asked to design and build a fully self-supporting four level accommodation unit.
The contract for a Single Block Barge Accommodation (SBBA) was signed at the beginning of July 2011 and delivered on 13 January 2012, a very short throughput time, as it also included the full engineering of the unit. The SBBA has its own independent generators for electric power, its own water makers and sewage treatment units.
However, part of the challenge was always going to be getting the assembled SBBA onboard and in position. First the unit was transported from De Hoop’s Lobith yard to its quay in Rotterdam. There, it was lifted onto the Smit Anambas in cooperation with the Dutch lifting company Mammoet, which required two lifting vessels to be able to perform this huge operation. De Hoop also did the hook-up and commissioning of the SBBA, including the placement of various platforms and two rescue boats with davits.
All equipment, including cranes, a large plough, swing arm, tensioner, and the 3,000-ton cable carousel will be installed in the United Kingdom.
Technical details;
Four-level accommodation unit
Independent generators
Independent water makers
Sewage treatment units
Fully operational independent of location
