The Netherlands: Niron Completes Repairs for FUGRO’s Research Vessel Bavenit

During the recent stop of FUGRO’s research and survey vessel Bavenit in the Netherlands it was seen that the 13 cable sheaves on the drilling tower needed to be replaced. The immediate priority was to get the dimensions of the existing sheaves. Straight after Fugro’s request had been received, two Niron engineers headed for IJmuiden to make an on-board-visit and measure up the sizes of the cable sheaves. On their return, Niron’s staff quickly drew up a measuring report after which design and construction could begin.

An emergency call was made to Niron’s sales engineer Gregor Tokarenko; “As such – not a difficult part to manufacture. There were, however, a couple of complications. The vessel was berthed in IJmuiden and was due to depart for South-African waters the following day. Under the given time pressure, the existing drawings needed to be confirmed with the sheaves remaining in place”, Gregor smiles at the excitement of the challenge: “That’s where you really have to get your mind focused on a solution!”

Gregor Tokarenko explains: “Once we had the necessary measurements and information, the Bavenit was able to set sail. We at Niron could get our production processes running and a swift delivery of the new cable sheaves to South-Africa was assured.”

Cable sheaves are usually manufactured from steel castings or welded plates, both of which take a substantial time, as they need to be made from scratch. Because of the two-week time constraint and the need to provide a high quality result, Niron and Fugro agreed on new sheaves assembled from existing 80 mm steel plating with a hardened groove. Due to the density of the steel plates, pockets were milled in the sheaves in order to keep the weight of the total installation within acceptable limits for the drilling tower.

“Niron came up with the perfect solution for this task,” commented Ton Mulder of Fugro.

One day ahead of schedule – and after only 13 production days – the new set of cable sheaves was on its way to Cape Town.

[mappress]

Shipbuilding Tribune Staff, May 22, 2012; Image: nironstaal