IHC, ZPMC Sign AHC System Delivery Contract

IHC Merwede has announced that it has signed a new contract for the EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) delivery of an Active Heave Compensation (AHC) system.

This advanced equipment will be designed, built and supplied as a reliable solution for the deepwater subsea installation of heavy modules in dynamic sea states.

The integration of the active heave compensator and winch system means that this system is unique.

It will be placed on board the new-build heavy lifting/pipelaying vessel (with a 5,000mT crane), YANTAI 5000, which is being constructed for the Yantai Salvage Bureau by Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (ZPMC) in China.

The AHC system package will be delivered by IHC Hytop, part of IHC Merwede, and consists of the following extensive range of equipment: an active heave cylinder set; the main HPU; a 400mT traction winch; a storage winch for 3,500m of wire rope; the complete drive and control system with motion reference unit; and local control cabins.

“IHC Merwede is delighted to confirm this contract with ZPMC for the supply of the new AHC system for deep-water lowering,” says Wouter Kruijt, IHC Hytop’s Managing Director.

“This provides further evidence that IHC Merwede is firmly established in the design and development of advanced equipment for the offshore market – and the industry at large.”