Thunder Cranes (TC) and New Partner Energy (NPE) have completed the first challenging phase of a crane replacement project in Angola for Sonangol
The objective of the first phase of the project was the safe dismantling of the PALP2 crane's boom, which had been immobilized and secured in a suspended position following a technical failure that rendered the crane inoperative.
The project located on Sonangol's PALP2 platform in Block 3 required several months of planning and complex execution due to challenging circumstances. To execute the project, NPE used TC lifting experts as well as its own expert consultants and subcontractors. The first phase team included welders and riggers for the deck reinforcements, and a rope access team for the complex rigging maneuvers performed at height.
TC worked with NPE to provide site survey expertise, as well as technical support, to complete the planning and step-by-step procedures that would be required to complete the job safely and successfully. This type of project relied heavily on TC's unique portable modular cranes. It was proposed as the right lifting solution for the project because of its modular and portable components, capacity and height under hook. Additionally, in the interim period between crane changes, TC20 would be able to replace routine crane operations to maintain ongoing operations on the PALP2 platform.
The site survey and engineering calculations revealed the need to reinforce the PALP2 bridge. This was done to support the installation of the TC20 modular crane. While NPE prepared the bridge reinforcements, the TC team moved the modular cranes from the adjoining PALP1 platform (where a working platform crane was located) to PALP2, moving the TC equipment approximately 200 m between the adjacent platforms, which were connected by a bridge.
Installing the TC20 crane in a limited deck area was one of the main challenges encountered on the PALP2 platform. The placement of the boom was further complicated by power lines that could not be removed. The boom assembly had to be suspended over the power lines while it was pinned. After the TC20 load test, TC and NPE performed the boom removal without any problems. Using a combination of TC20 crane and custom rigging work supervised by NPE, the PALP2 crane boom was removed and lowered into position on the lower decks of the platform. From there, TC20 completed the lowering of the crane boom onto a supply vessel.
Safe lifting operations in these circumstances absolutely require static lifting. Due to the sea conditions, an ordinary barge or ship's crane is not always suitable for an extremely delicate operation in a dynamic situation.
After handling critical PALP2 crane boom removal with NPE, the TC20 modular crane now provides necessary but routine lifting assistance for daily operations on the platform.