Platform with integrated overhead crane for maintenance of fresh cooling water pumps

b.offshore GmbH has installed a platform with an integrated overhead crane for a converter station in the North Sea. This solution enables easy and safe access to the pumps and their replacement without exposing service personnel to danger. The project phases included development and design of the system, production monitoring at the steel manufacturer, the purchase of attachments including the crane, and offshore installation. Shortly after installation, the system was successfully put into operation.

Fresh water is used on offshore platforms for various purposes, including process cooling. For this purpose, seawater is pumped into the platform using pumps. The pumps are exposed to high loads from seawater and continuous operation and must be serviced regularly. Important maintenance tasks include replacing filters and performing regular complete inspections. If necessary, pumps must be lifted and moved. Due to their heavy weight, this work cannot be carried out without tools. Chain hoists or other temporary lifting equipment are often used, which involves various hazards and efforts. The new installation provides a solution to this problem.