July 27 - SAL Heavy Lift has been granted an international patent for its active passive heave compensation (APHC) system, which combines the advantages of active heave compensation (AHC) and passive heave compensation (PHC) technologies.
The APHC system allows an active heave compensation for loads weighing in excess of 1,000 tons (907.2 tonnes), with small existing AHC systems.
Simulations of the system showed, for a transition piece weighing 350 tons (318 tonnes), movement reductions of up to 90 percent in North Sea conditions.
According to SAL, the system reduces wear and tear for the crane structure and the main hoist, while cranes with existing AHC technologies can easily upgrade.
SAL is currently in discussions with partners for further development of the system.
A video of the simulations can be found here
