Project Summary
TADEK delivered the structural design of a dedicated upending frame for a pipeline Pig Launcher and Receiver (PLR) to support safe deck handling operations onboard an offshore construction vessel.
The frame enables controlled rotation of a 19-tonne PLR between horizontal transport and vertical operating positions. TADEK provided a complete engineering package, including structural design verification, fabrication drawings, calculations, and operational procedures to support safe and efficient offshore handling.
The Challenge
The project required the rapid design of a lifting and handling solution capable of safely upending a pig launch and retrieval tool during offshore operations.
Key challenges included:
- Short project timeline from contract award to delivery
- Limited procurement flexibility due to schedule constraints
- Designing a structural frame capable of safely supporting the tool during transit, deployment and retrieval.
- Developing a safe operational method supported by procedures and risk identification
TADEK‘s Role
TADEK delivered a complete engineering package for the upending system:
- Designed the upending frame and interface with the pig launcher tool
- Produced a general arrangement (GA) and fabrication drawings for structural components and grillages
- Performed structural calculations and compiled a detailed design report
- Developed an operational procedure and HAZID for the upending operation
- Provided technical documentation to support fabrication and safe offshore use
Our Approach
TADEK applied practical structural design and offshore operational planning to deliver a safe and fabrication-ready deck handling solution:
- Developed an initial frame concept and GA for rapid client review
- Performed structural calculations to verify load transfer during PLR upending operations
- Produced fabrication drawings for grillage and structural components
- Prepared operational procedures and HAZID to ensure safe vessel deck operations
- Provide equipment seafastening design, deck layout and installation drawings and operational storyboards
Outcomes
TADEK’s engineering delivered a functional deck handling system supporting safe PLR operations offshore.
- Structural design verified for handling loads of approximately 19 tonnes
- Fabrication-ready drawing package delivered within the project schedule
- Upending frame successfully deployed onboard the construction vessel
- Simplified PLR handling and reduced operational time during deployment
