On 24 March 2011, IHC Hytop Winches, part of IHC Merwede, was officially launched. The new company’s workshop plays an important role in its activities because it enables it to build complex winch systems for the offshore and dredging markets. This will expand the supply of IHC Hytop Winches’ range of complex winch systems significantly.

The world’s largest

Over the past ten years, the demand for custom winches has soared. The capacity of such winches has also increased substantially. These developments were important factors behind the company’s decision to construct a new workshop. At the opening ceremony, IHC Hytop Winches displayed the Riser Installation Winch. With an impressive 800 metre-long cable and 500 tonnes nominal pull, it is one of the largest of its kind worldwide.

The production floor of the company’s new workshop is 1,500 m² and 15 metres high. The hall is equipped with two cranes, each with a 100-tonne lifting capacity. This allows IHC Hytop Winches to assemble the heaviest offshore winches for its customers.

The official handover

During the official opening ceremony, Mr J Rooswinkel, Managing Director of IHC Hytop B.V., handed over the reins of the new company to Mr T Henquet, General Manager of IHC Hytop Winches.

Company profile IHC Merwede

IHC Merwede is focussed on the continuous development of design and construction activities for the specialist maritime sector. It is the global market leader for efficient dredging and mining vessels and equipment – with vast experience accumulated over decades – and a reliable supplier of custom-built ships and supplies for offshore construction.

Source: IHC Merwede , April 07, 2011;