A monster on the Tyne
FLOATING CRANE IS USED FOR TURBINE OPERATION
HAVE you seen this gigantic ship in North Shields and wondered what it’s for?
The deep-water heavy-lift vessel Aegir is at the Port of Tyne’s Northumbrian Quay to carry out a number of highly complex operations.
The 50,000-tonne ship, operated by Netherlands-based Heerema Marine Contractors (HMC), will be in the river for around two weeks, during which a number of wind turbine jackets will be transported downriver from Smulders Projects UK, based in Wallsend.
The jackets, which measure between 68m and 81m in height and weigh 1,300 tons, have been constructed by Belgian-owned Smulders UK as part of the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre off Aberdeen, in Scotland. The complex operation was due to start yesterday, with the wind turbine jackets being towed from Wallsend on a barge to the deep-water berth at the port.
Aegir will then come alongside the barge and lift a jacket with its 125m-long and 96m high crane. Following this, Aegir will sail to Scotland with the jacket suspended from its crane, over the side of the vessel, before returning to repeat the task with the remaining jackets.
During the lifting operations, the Port of Tyne will enforce a slowspeed passing limitation for other vessels – as the giant vessel will encroach into the river channel.
Steven Clapperton, Port of Tyne harbour master and director of health and safety, environment and marine, said: “These are complex marine activities, using this substantial vessel which can be seen for miles around.
“The size of the ship, with its revolving heavy lift crane, and the complexity of the operation make the Port of Tyne’s Northumbrian Quay ideally placed to handle this work, due to its deep-water and close proximity to open sea.”
Aegir is expected to return from Scotland every three days to complete five lifting operations in North Shields.
The vessel is 689ft long with a breath of 151ft. It has two deck cranes and accommodation for up to 305 people.