The Dutch heavy-lift specialist Mammoet has teamed up with a partner to develop a new concept that uses semi-submersible structures to make it easier to handle oversized and heavy loads between the quayside and the ship.
Mammoet has entered into a strategic partnership with Tugdock Submersible Platforms to expand the use of its submersible platform (TSP), as has now been announced.
The TSP is a modular, submersible platform that allows large floating structures to be “seamlessly transferred from the quay to the water”, according to the statement. The structures are pushed onto the TSP in a controlled process, after which the platform can be submerged or raised as required. Each unit consists of interlocking component cells that can be inflated, deflated and linked together to create floating platforms up to 120m x 120m in size with a load capacity of 30,000 tons. Each node – the intersection of four cells – can carry loads of up to 350 tons. The buoyancy is reportedly maintained by compressed air, which is precisely monitored and controlled using computer systems and electronic measuring devices.
The concept should enable more ports to support offshore wind projects – not least by making them less dependent on tides. Mammoet sees “enormous potential” in this and wants to support its introduction to the market. Mammoet maintains a large fleet of heavy-duty equipment. The Utrecht-based company is part of SHV Holding, which is also based in the Netherlands. The heavy goods specialist sold its own fleet of ships to the Spliethoff Group in 2000, thereby withdrawing from the shipping industry. The acquisition of ALE in 2020 created the world’s largest provider of technical heavy lift and transportation services.
Barnaby Mills, General Manager Offshore Services at Mammoet, said: “We have been following Tugdock’s progress for some time and have been impressed by its innovation, particularly in the offshore wind sector. The TSP system also offers clear benefits for other maritime sectors in which Mammoet is already active.”
