Fitting new spudcans

The primary focus of the works was the installation of new spudcans on her four-legged jacking system, which can elevate the vessel at rate of one metre per minute in water depths up to 45 metres. This was a major enterprise with 16 tensioning bolts required for each spudcan. The new spudcans were lowered into the drydock using the onboard crane and then each was moved into position using self-propelled modular transporters. Mechanical linkage in spudcan design is unusual and the advanced design was implemented using shim plates to divert radial and torsional movement from the tensioning bolts, to the satisfaction of the client. The new spudcans increase the load-bearing area when the vessel is jacked up and so reduce the penetration of the legs into the seabed.

Additional works

While the MPI Enterprise was at DVR, two radar domes were installed and architectural work undertaken in the lower quarters. Cylinder foundations were also fitted for the leg lashing system.

The client

The works were contracted and managed by NSB Niederelbe Schiffahrtsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG, the vessel’s manager since she was first delivered in December 2011. Damen Shiprepair & Conversion has worked with MPI Offshore in the past. MPI Resolution had visited DVR in 2011 for crane testing and so the yard was pleased to welcome the MPI Enterprise for the first time in 2018.

The MPI Enterprise departed DVR in early April to work on offshore wind farms in the North and Baltic seas.

Contact us

By submitting 'Ask a question' form, any information you provide to Damen will be used in accordance with Damen Privacy Policy.

* Required fields