New jacking system unveiled for renewables market

Netherlands-based Huisman has completed a successful Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) for its new Jacking Gearbox, a key component in the company’s new jacking system. Incorporating a Huisman Variable Frequency Drive Control System, load distribution is automatically optimised, a key feature for wind turbine installation jack-up vessels.

Huisman has teamed up with gearbox specialist, O&K Antriebstechnik, part of the Bonfiglioli Group, and the FAT was successfully completed at the Germany company’s test facility in Hattingen.

Two gear versions are available, Huisman revealed, suitable for a range of vessel designs. The ‘L’ version can handle static loads of up to 800 tonnes; the XL version up to 1,000 tonnes. The jacking system can be easily integrated with different types of cranes and power grids from various electrical engineering companies.

Huisman’s Cees van Veluw, product manager Cranes, said: “We are proud of achieving this important milestone for our new range of jacking systems. This will further enable the implementation of the systems in vessel designs that may emerge in the years to come. The interest of vessel owners, operators and designers has encouraged us to apply our knowledge and expertise to this.”