Central Module

Today the 'Thialf' lifted off the Central Module from the Heavy Lift Vessel 'Fjord', moved over to the Compliant Tower and installed the second module. Total weight of this module is around 4500 metric tons. As you can see it was a dual crane mode operation. The 'Thialf' has Class III Dynamic Positioning (highest grade), so instead of mooring the 'Fjord' on her stern, the 'Fjord' is anchored out in a three leg pre-laid anchor pattern. The 'Thialf' moves in on her DP and keeps position with a fan beam system, enabling her to follow movements of the 'Fjord' automatically. Cranes are hooked in, the seafastening is cut, the module is lifted and off goes the 'Thialf' to the Compliant Tower. Lifting is done with de-ballasting. Both cranes are pre-tensioned to a load of approximate 50% of the total weight. Then the 'Thialf' is de-ballasted full-ahead, giving the Superintendent the security that the hook loads of both cranes will be the same compared to each other during lifting. More modules will follow.

Here are some more pictures