Page 26: of Marine News Magazine (July 2006)

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Hatlapa Helps Upgrade

CSO Deep Blue

In August 2005 the pipe layer CSO Deep Blue under- went a major dry-docking at Fincantieri's Palermo ship- yard for both classification survey and overhaul as well as to allow modification work on the pipe-laying system.

Modification work carried out by Hatlapa included the upgrading of the existing Hatlapa mooring system to allow spooling of pipe under extreme conditions. This work included: changing the rope drums from non split type to split type; hanging the original manually operat- ed dog clutches to hydraulically controlled friction clutches; and converting the original manually operated spindle band brakes to hydraulically actuated band brakes; and upgrading the hydraulic power packs to pro- vide high redundancy (including providing each winch unit with its own power supply). It also included installing a load control system (with sensors build in locally at the winches and at the strong points) incorpo- rating full remote control to allow the mooring functions hoisting/lowerering, speed change, clutch in/out, brake engaged/disengaged to be operated safely and easily with joystick control plus touch screen on the bridge.

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SPI/Mobile Pulley Works

Climbing Back

In January 2003, Steel Processors, Inc. merged with

SPI/Mobile Pulley Works, Inc. to form the present com- pany, and in that same year purchased all of the assets of the old Mobile Pulley and Machine Works. This acquisi- tion allowed SPI/Mobile Pulley to inherit 100 years of engineering and patterns.

In November, 2004,

SPI/Mobile Pulley

Works, Inc. (SPI-MPW) moved its heavy machine and fabrication manufac- turing business to Mobile at the site of the old

Mobile Pulley at 905

South Ann Street. From its early beginnings in 1892, the old Mobile Pulley had an international reputation for quality and volume of pro- duction. When it ceased operations in 2003, Mobile Pul- ley closed its large foundry, once the world's largest pro- ducer of ball joints and a leading producer of individual castings. SPI-MPW will be building a new fabrication department beginning in the near future, and the existing foundry is currently being refurbished and getting back into operation.

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Carbis Signs Agreement with Kanon

Carbis Inc. USA announced an agreement with Kanon

Loading Equipment B.V. as its U.S. representative for the supply of Kanon Marine Loading Arms. Kanon has more than 25 years experience in the design and manufacture of Marine Loading systems and is Global leader in the industry.

The Kanon loading systems are in operation for the widest range of liquid and gases, from cryogenic to high temperature applications, including the most hazardous and corrosive fluids.

A wide range of standardized load- ing arm concepts can be offered. "Carbis has part- nered with Kanon to bring their extensive knowledge and capabilities in

Marine Loading arms to U.S. shores," said Pete

Singleton the VP of

Market Develop- ment for Carbis Inc.

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New Hawser Winch

Design for G&H

Markey Machinery recently worked with G & H Tow- ing to develop a new hawser winch design for replace- ment of the existing winch on the recently acquired trac- tor-tug, renamed William M., purchased from Edison

Chouest Offshore. The new type DEPCF-42 Electric

Ship-Assist & Escort Winch installed on the bow features 26 • MarineNews • July 2006

Deck Machinery

Rapp Mareq Wins Contract for its Two Largest Winches Ever

Rapp Mareq LLC (an affiliate of Rapp Hydema U.S.) marked a historic achievement early this year with the signing of a contract for the two largest winches in company history. Rapp's MHW-200 design for the larger winch handles 11,000 ft. of three-in. wire at nearly 300 tons line pull first layer. The second winch, Rapp's MHW-140 design accom- modates 2.375-in. wire at nearly 200 tons line pull first layer. Both DNV-certified winches will be utilized in deep-sea

ROV support and other operations, and will be delivered this year.

Rapp also won two other contracts with another international deepwater firm late last year. A first order in Houston was closely followed by another deepwater/ROV-related order with the Houston firm's Norwegian counterpart office.

Rapp winches for the first project are five-speed and designed to make pinpoint stops, with full loads, at great work- ing depths. Rapp's own multi-motor gearboxes provide powering, so that if one motor fails, remaining ones can still operate the winch, albeit at a lower capacity. Rapp's module-based design allows for substitution of drums, drive units, and braking assemblies, allowing for adaptation to different applications-instead of purchase or rental of a different winch. Rapp's PTS Pentagon system, which is proven on VT Halter's NOAA FRV project, is also to be installed, and

Rapp is providing enclosed Hydraulic Power Units (HPUs) for the winches.

Rapp Hydema U.S. chairman Tor S. Andersen said that "these deepwater contracts are quite significant, not only because of their high value, but because of the prestige and exposure that arises from projects of such breadth." He added that these orders will move Rapp toward first-time development of winches deploying sophisticated equipment for oil installations, at greater depths than ever before.

Also of note, the Rapp winches are DNV-certified for lifting appliances.

Rapp Mareq LLC is a new affiliate of parent company Rapp Hydema U.S., headquartered in Seattle. Incorporated in 2003, the new firm is specifically tasked with devel- opment of the U.S. Gulf Coast market, and is increasingly active in the offshore oil and workboat industries. For this reason, a Houston office was opened in May 2005, and other local facilities are under consideration.

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