Rolls-Royce to supply torpedo anchor handling systems

Rolls-Royce has secured a UKP 38 million (about $60 million) contract to supply a newly-developed anchor handling system that will enable floating oil platforms to be secured to the seabed in extreme depths off the coast of Brazil.

It will be fitted to two vessels serving platforms owned by Petrobas.

The vessels are currently under construction by STX Brasil Offshore.

The equipment package includes winches specially designed for the maneuvering and installation of torpedo anchors. Weighing in at 130 tonnes each, the torpedo anchors have been developed by Petrobras.

Petrobras describes the torpedo anchor as: "A type of anchor in the shape of a steel stake that is used to anchor lines, risers and ships. It is launched from a support boat and its own weight carries it to the seabed. It has been tested and approved in clay soils and is expected to be efficient also in non-compacted sandy soils. It is substantially less costly than conventional anchors. This project generated a patent for Petrobras."

The Rolls-Royce winches are each capable of handling anchors down to depths of 3,000 m.

When complete, each vessel will feature a deck machinery package and equipment designed to enhance safety of operations at sea. In addition to winches, Rolls-Royce will supply anchor handling cranes, stern rollers, towing and stopping pins, and a pennant winder and spooling sheave.