MacGregor anchor handling equipment for DOF ASA newbuilds

Two STX AH12 design anchor-handling tug supply (AHTS) vessels on order for DOF ASA at the STX Brazil Offshore shipyard will have MacGregor windlass-handling manipulator systems and offshore knuckle-jib cranes.

Cargotec received an order for two of its MacGregor windlass-handling manipulator systems and two large offshore knuckle-jib cranes for the ships this month. The anchor-handling equipment is scheduled for delivery in 2011.

"The systems will substantially enhance the speed and cost efficiency of operations, while greatly improving personnel safety in hazardous offshore working conditions," says Øystein Bondevik, Cargotec's sales director for offshore load handling.

The MacGregor manipulator system is designed to perform remotely-controlled windlass replacement operations for anchor-handling winches while at sea. It can safely handle windlasses weighing up to 12.5 tonnes under various weather conditions.