12
IN THIS ISSUE News in Brief Branch Focus Case Studies Personnel Focus new heights THE ALE NEWSLETTER • ISSUE 03 Welcome... ...to the April 2011 edition of the ALE newsletter, which takes a look at some of the projects and activities that have kept ALE offices across the globe busy for the last few months. WORLDWIDE HEAVY TRANSPORTATION AND LIFTING [email protected] WWW.ALE-HEAVYLIFT.COM Here in the Middle East, we’ve had a very active few months. After a great deal of hard work, Abu Dhabi was delighted to be one of three additional ALE branches to gain independent ISO certification. The certification, which was awarded by Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance (LRQA), demonstrates ALE’s continued commitment to improving the company’s health, safety, quality and environmental performance. Well done to the Netherlands and Malaysia for their awards too. We’re also delighted to announce that work is virtually complete on our new Middle East Region Head Office and Workshop in Mussafah, Abu Dhabi. The new office reflects the growth of ALE’s operations in the Middle East and will be ready for us to move into in the next few weeks. It complements the significant investment in new equipment for the region, including a purpose-built class 300 barge, our second barge in the UAE, which is due to be delivered to Abu Dhabi in April. It will then be fitted with the necessary support equipment, including ballast pumps, ramps, winches, welding equipment, seafastening and grillages, spares containers and personnel safety equipment before beginning its first job delivering two 825te, 99m long demethanizers in May. Looking forward to the second half of 2011, we can reveal that the AL.SK190, still by far the biggest land-based crane in the world, is due to be shipped to the UAE after completing its current job in Houston, USA. It will be completing two jobs in the Middle East; the first will involve lifting two 1,450te, 70m long, 10m diameter pieces. It will then move on to its second job, a longer term project which will highlight the full and integrated service that ALE can provide as multiple pieces will be barged on ALE300 prior to being lifted by the AL.SK190. Richard Peckover, Executive Director

new heights - ALE Heavylift · This means the Malaysia office works in a variety of sectors, but in the last 8 ... In each issue, New Heights takes an in-depth look at a different

Embed Size (px)

Citation preview

Page 1: new heights - ALE Heavylift · This means the Malaysia office works in a variety of sectors, but in the last 8 ... In each issue, New Heights takes an in-depth look at a different

IN THIS ISSUE

News in Brief

Branch Focus

Case Studies

Personnel Focus

new heightsTHE ALE NEWSLETTER • ISSUE 03

Welcome... ...to the April 2011 edition of the ALE newsletter, which takes a look at some of the projects and activities that have kept ALE offices across the globe busy for the last few months.

WORLDWIDE HEAVY TRANSPORTATION AND LIFTING [email protected] WWW.ALE-HEAVYLIFT.cOm

Here in the Middle East, we’ve had a very active few months. After a great deal of hard work, Abu Dhabi was delighted to be one of three additional ALE branches to gain independent ISO certification. The certification, which was awarded by Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance (LRQA), demonstrates ALE’s continued commitment to improving the company’s health, safety, quality and environmental performance. Well done to the Netherlands and Malaysia for their awards too.

We’re also delighted to announce that work is virtually complete on our new Middle East Region Head Office and Workshop in Mussafah, Abu Dhabi. The new office reflects the growth of ALE’s operations in the Middle East and will be ready for us to move into in the next few weeks. It complements the significant investment in new equipment for the region, including a purpose-built class 300 barge, our second barge in the UAE, which is due to be delivered to Abu Dhabi in April. It will then be fitted with the necessary support equipment, including ballast pumps, ramps, winches, welding equipment, seafastening and grillages, spares containers and personnel safety equipment before beginning its first job delivering two 825te, 99m long demethanizers in May.

Looking forward to the second half of 2011, we can reveal that the AL.SK190, still by far the biggest land-based crane in the world, is due to be shipped to the UAE after completing its current job in Houston, USA. It will be completing two jobs in the Middle East; the first will involve lifting two 1,450te, 70m long, 10m diameter pieces. It will then move on to its second job, a longer term project which will highlight the full and integrated service that ALE can provide as multiple pieces will be barged on ALE300 prior to being lifted by the AL.SK190.

Richard Peckover, Executive Director

Page 2: new heights - ALE Heavylift · This means the Malaysia office works in a variety of sectors, but in the last 8 ... In each issue, New Heights takes an in-depth look at a different

new heights

Company News

news in brief

ALE: one year on It’s hard to believe a year has passed since we unveiled the new ALE brand. We’ve accomplished a great deal in the last 12 months, from rolling out branded livery, signage, uniforms and collateral across all our international offices to developing the new website. As well as enjoying recognition from the industry in the form of awards and rankings, we’ve upped our profile in the press and had substantial coverage about our innovative equipment and latest projects.

WORLDWIDE HEAVY TRANSPORTATION AND LIFTING

NEWSFLASH: ALE to perform 56 load-outs for Australia’s Gorgon Project ALE has been awarded the contract to load-out 56 caissons weighing between 2,300te and 3,800te each. The extensive job will utilise gantries to assemble the caissons and then to load them out for transport to the gas fields approximately 130 kilometres off the coast of Western Australia. The load-outs are part of the development of the Greater Gorgon Area gas fields northwest of Australia. The complex project includes construction of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant and a domestic gas plant. The caissons will be loaded-out for the 4 kilometre Gorgon LNG jetty.

ALE strengthens presence in USA

ALE is further strengthening its presence in the USA by the transfer of Keith Lewis to ALE’s Houston office. Currently Divisional Director of ALE projects, Keith will take up the role of Vice President of ALE’s USA business from February. The role will maintain and develop our existing links with customers in the USA, with particular focus on heavylift and transport projects in North and South America.

Keith says of his new role, “We already have excellent relationships with our USA based customers, this is an opportunity to strengthen our ties and further develop our business in America.”

Page 3: new heights - ALE Heavylift · This means the Malaysia office works in a variety of sectors, but in the last 8 ... In each issue, New Heights takes an in-depth look at a different

issue 03

HSQE

ISO recognition for ALE regions

Demonstrating our commitment to rigour in health, safety, quality and environmental procedures in ALE operations across the globe, Abu Dhabi and Malaysia branches have been awarded ISO 9001:2008 certification for quality management, joining the UK, Spain and the Netherlands in achieving this recognised standard. The Netherlands has also been awarded ISO 14001:2004 certification for environmental management.

To become certified, the Netherlands, Abu Dhabi and Malaysia had to complete extensive and measureable compliance audits. ALE implements a three stage approach to prepare for and gain certification: internal audits, completed by the regional HSQE advisor; regional compliance audits, completed by John Fitzmaurice, the Global HSQE Manager; and third party/external audits completed by Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance (LRQA) who award the certification.

HSQE advisors from the Netherlands, Abu Dhabi and Malaysia expressed their delight at achieving such prestigious recognition for their efforts. Debby Bijker, commenting on gaining ISO 14001:2004 certification for the Netherlands, said: “Sustainability is reflected in the further expansion of our commitment towards our customers and employees and guaranteeing working to the highest standards when it comes to quality, safety and health, as well as the environment”. Mohd Najib Bin Mahmud from Malaysia added, “Our ISO 9001:2008 registration shows the importance ALE places on quality management and professionalism. We work to a really high standard of service which is continually measured and monitored.” And from our Abu Dhabi office Haydn Hunt reported, “The whole team is really proud of our achievement in the Middle East. We’re committed to prioritising HSQE and this certification is a great way of rewarding all the hard work that goes into maintaining the highest quality standards for our clients.”

These achievements illustrate that the progress we’re making as a company is down to the hard work of individual regions proving their commitment to our HSQE policies. By complying with both legal requirements and our own internal procedures, we’re able to demonstrate that the work we do is carried out to the highest standards and that it has been independently certified as such.

ALE personnel excel in safety course

ALE personnel in Abu Dhabi and the Netherlands have successfully completed rigorous course criteria set out by the British Safety Council’s Level 2 Risk Assessment. Global HSQE Manager John Fitzmaurice commented: “ALE is committed to responsible working practices and we pride ourselves on delivering approved courses that increase competence and awareness of hazardous situations. Congratulations to all those in the UK, Abu Dhabi and the Netherlands who have met stringent criteria to pass the externally assessed course.”

As a member of the British Safety Council, ALE also delivers approved courses such as the Level 1 Certificate in Health and Safety at Work, Level 2 Supervising Staff Safely and the Level 2 Risk Assessment.

Annual HSQE award

In addition to these initiatives, ALE runs an internal HSQE award scheme to complement formal external procedures, which were introduced by our Global HSQE Manager John Fitzmaurice. The accolade, which is awarded annually, requires all regions to be assessed based on the following criteria: regional compliance audit ratings during the year, progress with achieving external certification such as ISO, the meeting of targets and objectives, and an evaluation of incident statistics. This helps to drive a HSQE culture throughout the business so that employees in all locations and at all levels continually contribute to the improvement of standards.

Our sincere congratulations go to the Netherlands, the very deserving winners of this year’s HSQE award.

[email protected] WWW.ALE-HEAVYLIFT.cOm

Health, safety, quality and environmental (HSQE) considerations underpin everything we do at ALE. We have a dedicated HSQE Team (pictured) overseeing several global and local initiatives intended to improve our performance in these areas.

Back row, l-r: John Fitzmaurice, Laura Miranda Cruz, Haydn Hunt, Mohd Najib Bin MahmudFront row, l-r: Kay Sproulle, Debby Bijker

Pictured, l-r: Kees Kompier accepts the award from John Fitzmaurice

Page 4: new heights - ALE Heavylift · This means the Malaysia office works in a variety of sectors, but in the last 8 ... In each issue, New Heights takes an in-depth look at a different

new heights branch focus

WORLDWIDE HEAVY TRANSPORTATION AND LIFTING

ALE Malaysia

ALE’s Offshore Expertise in Malaysia

The Malaysia office is located close to key fabrication yards and operates its own large equipment yard, meaning servicing and maintenance can be carried out very efficiently by trained ALE personnel. With a wide range of SPMTs, SPTs, climbing jacks, strand jacks, ballasting pumps, weighing jacks

and loadcells kept on site, the branch is extremely well equipped to provide a variety of services including jacking, weighing, ballasting, float-overs, load-outs, road and site transportation, feasibility studies and FEED engineering.

This means the Malaysia office works in a variety of sectors, but in the last 8

years it has established itself particularly as a leading offshore specialist, thanks to the equipment, local knowledge and expertise at its disposal. In line with ALE’s commitment to continuous quality improvement, the branch is dedicated to maintaining its position at the forefront of the industry, and to this end achieved ISO 9001:2008 certification. Its huge success in the region means that ALE has since opened sister offices in Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia, as well as an operational base in the Philippines, to strengthen ALE’s presence and make the most of Malaysia’s local knowledge and impressive capabilities.

The Malaysia branch has always worked closely with ALE’s Middlesbrough-based Offshore Services Division, as the majority of offshore projects take place in the Far East. This relationship, which offers clients the combination of Offshore Services’ expertise and Malaysia’s local knowledge, has proved so successful that the two areas are to be integrated even further. Equipment will now be stored and serviced locally, reducing costs and ensuring both equipment and personnel are readily available for faster turnaround times. With further support from the Marine Engineering Division and a commissioned barge, the Malaysia branch will be able to offer a comprehensive service to offshore clients covering everything from the engineering, equipment and personnel, to the management of the barge.

In each issue, New Heights takes an in-depth look at a different ALE branch, its service offering and its recent projects. In this edition, we look at ALE’s Malaysia branch.

The Malaysia branch opened in 1998 as the first ALE base in South East Asia. It is staffed by a team of 38 highly skilled personnel, nearly a quarter of whom are engineers, which demonstrates the importance placed on engineering and the extent to which it underpins all ALE activity.

Page 5: new heights - ALE Heavylift · This means the Malaysia office works in a variety of sectors, but in the last 8 ... In each issue, New Heights takes an in-depth look at a different

issue 03

malaysia case studies

[email protected] WWW.ALE-HEAVYLIFT.cOm

ONGC ICP-R PROCESS PLATFORM PROJECT

OvErvIEW: ALE Malaysia was engaged to move and load-out modules as part of the Process Platform Project. ALE was able to provide full engineering support on transport, mooring design checks and barge ballasting and analysis, demonstrating the benefits of the close relationship between the Offshore Services Division and ALE Malaysia.

SErvIcES rEQUIrEd: This was a double milestone project for ALE Malaysia, because the Main Structural Frame represented the heaviest piece loaded-out to date at 2,850te, and at 45m high, the Process Generator Compressor Module was the tallest piece to be transported and loaded out. The original plan was to move the MSF on a skid frame, but ALE completed the move successfully with trailers. A total of 154 axle lines and 18 ballasting pumps were used to complete the project.

ONGC’S B-193 FIELD DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

OvErvIEW: ALE won the contract to shift and load-out five 1,400te topsides and a 1,250te jacket as part of the B-193 Process Platform Project.

SErvIcES rEQUIrEd: All the modules are designed with an odd centre of gravity less than a metre from one of the two supports, so during the bid stage ALE’s engineering team studied how to execute the whole operation safely by proposing counter weights on top of the modules to shift the COG and improve stability during transport and load-out. ALE then suggested using 12-metre spreaders on the heavy side of the modules to avoid over-stressing the SPMT, which turned out to be pivotal in winning the contract. ALE completed the load-outs with 2 modules on one barge in just two days of each load-out operation, including full engineering on transport and barge ballasting.

BP-OCC WHITING REFINERY MODERNISATION PROJECT

OvErvIEW: ALE won the contract for the transport, shifting and load-out of more than 90 modules, pipe racks and vessels of various sizes and weights, including the jacking and weighing of the heaviest piece.

SErvIcES rEQUIrEd: ALE mobilised a 52-axle SPMT and commenced work in July 2010, with the last module scheduled for May 2011. A full engineering study was prepared for each movement, including studies for moving the pressurised vessels safely without using any bolster.

Page 6: new heights - ALE Heavylift · This means the Malaysia office works in a variety of sectors, but in the last 8 ... In each issue, New Heights takes an in-depth look at a different

new heights case studies

WORLDWIDE HEAVY TRANSPORTATION AND LIFTING

HEAVY TRANSPORTS IN AVILÉS, SPAIN

OvErvIEW: ALE was engaged to provide heavy transportation for a flexicoker-heater, a flexicoker-gasifier and a reactor as part of the ELEFSIS project in Avilés, Spain.

SErvIcES rEQUIrEd: The scope of the project included both the transportation of the 3 pieces from the fabrication yard to the port and intermediate handling on the pier to load the components onto the waiting vessel. The transportation was executed with SPMTs in several transport configurations. Since the route had several obstacles, it was necessary to remove light poles and traffic signs and make some temporary modifications to existing roundabouts.

FLOATATION, NAVIGATION AND LIFTING OF A BRIDGE OVER PISUERGA RIVER, SPAIN

OvErvIEW: ALE performed the installation of two 60m long bridge sections each weighing 210te over the Pisuerga River in Valladolid, Spain. The bridge adds pedestrian and bike paths to each direction of traffic.

SErvIcES rEQUIrEd: ALE used the Demag CC2800 crane with 280te of counter load to lift the bridge sections and place them on a flotation platform. The bridge sections were then navigated below the bridge abutments, and the final lift was completed using HLS700 strandlift units located on the bridge abutments. The two sections were lifted separately over two consecutive days.

ONGC NORTH TAPTI GAS FIELD DEVELOPMENT, UAE

OvErvIEW: ALE successfully completed the transportation and load-out of piles and a jacket weighing 197te and 1,012te.

SErvIcES rEQUIrEd: The piles and the jacket were transported from the assembly yard to the quay using SPMTs and then loaded-out onto a class 300 barge. Prior to this, the jacket had to be accurately weighed to calculate its centre of gravity. Method statements and engineering calculations were prepared and submitted to meet both the client’s and the independent Marine Warranty Surveyor’s requirements. ALE was also responsible for the barge management operations during the load-out, which included mooring and ballasting.

Page 7: new heights - ALE Heavylift · This means the Malaysia office works in a variety of sectors, but in the last 8 ... In each issue, New Heights takes an in-depth look at a different

issue 03

[email protected] WWW.ALE-HEAVYLIFT.cOm

TRANSPORT OF A TRANSFORMER, SOUTH AFRICA

OvErvIEW: ALE was awarded the contract for the transportation of a 345.8te transformer unit from Richard’s Bay to the Medupi Power Station.

SErvIcES rEQUIrEd: ALE used the AL500 beam trailer, consisting of two 16-axle, 3-file trailers and girder frame (with a capacity of 400te) and 6 ballast tractors to complete the transportation. Road works along the planned route in South Africa meant that ALE had to plan an alternative route via Swaziland, where the AL500 successfully negotiated mountainous terrain with inclines and declines of up to 14%.

LOAD-OUT OF THE MCR-A’S GRAVITY BASE STRUCTURE (GBS), TURKMENISTAN

OvErvIEW: ALE was contracted to pick up the GBS and weigh, move and load it out onto the new build barge ‘Dagbasy’. Weighing 7,690te, the GBS was lifted lowered and moved with ALE’s skid system.

SErvIcES rEQUIrEd: ALE’s heavy skid system consisted of 8 skid shoes with 500te capacity and 10 skid shoes with 650te capacity – the largest of their kind in the industry – all with integrated hydraulic jacks. The skid shoes were hydraulically coupled to provide a 3-point supporting system. During the load-out ALE was also contracted to do the ballasting. After the load-out ALE will be responsible for the float-off of the GBS, as well as the weighing, move, load-out and float-over of MCR-A’s topside.

EXCHANGE OF ELECTRIC GENERATORS, SLOVENIA

OvErvIEW: ALE performed the exchange of electric generators at Krsko Nuclear Plant in Slovenia by means of a 500te capacity skidding gantry with rotational ability.

SErvIcES rEQUIrEd: The removal and introduction operations were executed following the same sequence of manoeuvres but in reverse: lifting, longitudinal-transverse-longitudinal skidding, 90° rotation to access the turbine building equipment’s hatchway, a longitudinal skidding to align the piece over the foundations and finally the lowering of the piece 15m through the hatch. Once the piece was lowered, it was loaded onto a SPMT transport platform with a 4x10 axle configuration. The generator was transported up to the storage building where it was unloaded onto its supporting frame. Both operations were executed simultaneously, optimising the plan for plant shutdown manoeuvres.

Page 8: new heights - ALE Heavylift · This means the Malaysia office works in a variety of sectors, but in the last 8 ... In each issue, New Heights takes an in-depth look at a different

new heights

WORLDWIDE HEAVY TRANSPORTATION AND LIFTING

case studies

TRANSPORT AND JACKING OF LOAD-OUT SUPPORT FRAME, FAR EAST

OvErvIEW: As part of the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation’s field development project in the Far East, ALE transported and jacked down two pieces of 1,150te load-out support frame, lowering them from 3.0-3.2m high stools onto skids just 800mm in height.

SErvIcES rEQUIrEd: ALE provided all the steel supports during the jack-up, transport and jacking down, using a combination of dragline boards, spreader mats, hijack frames and cruciforms. The 56 axles of SPMTs used to transport, jack up and jack down the structures were replaced by eight 200te jacks when the height was too low for the trailers to continue.

MOVEMENT OF RAILWAY BRIDGE IN SELLY OAK, UK

OvErvIEW: On Boxing Day, ALE moved a railway bridge into place to make way for the new Selly Oak New Road to pass underneath and relieve the chronic congestion faced by commuters on the A38.

SErvIcES rEQUIrEd: The new 70m three span railway bridge was constructed off-line on a temporary 10m high embankment before being transported into position using ALE’s SPMTs. The new structure carries the Birmingham to Gloucester rail line across a 15m deep cutting, which will contain the new road. Weighing in at 3,945te, the move and installation of the concrete deck is believed to be one of the heaviest bridge moves using SPMTs in the UK.

REPLACEMENT OF RAIL BRIDGE, UK

OvErvIEW: The project involved replacing a ‘rail over rail’ bridge in Doncaster on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. The rail bridge to be replaced spanned an existing railway line 1/4 mile from the nearest suitable build location.

SErvIcES rEQUIrEd: ALE was tasked with removing the old deck (complete with ballast) and replacing it with a new deck. Both structures, which weighed more than 240te each, were transported nearly a quarter of a mile along the railway, across an existing rail bridge over a river, straddling the rail lines using SPMTs.

ALE also provided trestling for the on-site construction of the new deck which was jacked up prior to installation. Post-possession the old bridge was jacked down prior to demolition.

Page 9: new heights - ALE Heavylift · This means the Malaysia office works in a variety of sectors, but in the last 8 ... In each issue, New Heights takes an in-depth look at a different

[email protected] WWW.ALE-HEAVYLIFT.cOm

issue 03

HANDLING AND TRANSPORT OF A 95TE STINGER, SOUTH AFRICA

OvErvIEW: ALE was contracted to handle and transport a 95te Stinger in Cape Town harbour.

SErvIcES rEQUIrEd: ALE received the Stinger under hook directly onto the trailer and then transported the 95te load from Elliott Basin to A-berth. ALE used a 14-axle, 4-file SPMT for the movement of the Stinger. The manoeuvrability of the SPMT allowed for sharp turns to be made and safe access into A-berth at the multipurpose terminals.

SERIES OF LIFTS FOR THE THAI GROWTH PROJECT, THAILAND

OvErvIEW: ALE completed a series of lifts as part of the Thai Growth Project in Map Ta Phut, Thailand. With weights ranging from 73te to 813te, 25 items were transported, lifted and installed in just 22 days.

SErvIcES rEQUIrEd: The project originally specified a large crawler crane based in three positions over a three-month period. However, ALE’s record-breaking AL.SK190 reduced this to less than one month as its integral ‘quick winch’ system allowed loads of variable weights to be lifted by the same crane from one position, achieving significant cost and schedule savings. Due to its high capacity outreach, the AL.SK190 was able to perform all required lifts from a single location, avoiding the expense and time associated with de-rigging, re-rigging and relocating. Columns could be lifted over the new structure, enabling other structures and pipe racks to be installed ahead of schedule. In what was deemed a ‘flawless execution’ by the client’s construction manager, 25 items totalling 4,230te were lifted.

TRANSPORTATION OF SHIPS SECTIONS, UK

OvErvIEW: ALE moved a 500te mid-body section from the fabrication hall to the dry dock along public roads in Birkenhead.

SErvIcES rEQUIrEd: The ship was cut inside a dry dock and the fore-end section weighing 3,800te was moved 40m along the dry dock using SPMTs to make room for the new mid-body section. The trailers were then re-configured to receive the mid-body section inside the dry dock. The mid-body section was lifted into the dry dock onto the trailers, then carouselled using the trailers and aligned with the aft end of the ship. Finally the trailers were re-configured to move back and re-align the fore-end section to the new mid-body section.

Page 10: new heights - ALE Heavylift · This means the Malaysia office works in a variety of sectors, but in the last 8 ... In each issue, New Heights takes an in-depth look at a different

new heights

WORLDWIDE HEAVY TRANSPORTATION AND LIFTING

case studies

LOAD-OUT OF TWO DECKS, JEBEL ALI, UAE

OvErvIEW: ALE successfully completed the weighing, transportation and load-out of two decks weighing 590te and 655te.

SErvIcES rEQUIrEd: The decks were first weighed before being transported from Lamprell yard to the quayside and then loaded onto a barge. The decks were transported using two separate lines of SPMT trailers of 20 axles each. The load-out of the NTP1 deck had to be carried out in darkness due to the tidal requirement for the load-out. ALE was also responsible for the barge management operations during the load-out, which included the mooring and ballasting of the barge.

KNUCKLEBOOM TRANSPORT, SOUTH AFRICA

OvErvIEW: ALE serviced the local offshore market by successfully transporting the 123te knuckleboom in the port of Cape Town.

SErvIcES rEQUIrEd: The new knuckleboom will be installed on the Saipem 300 as a smaller service crane. The knuckleboom’s height and high centre of gravity required a wider than usual trailer configuration to ensure stability. The manoeuvrability of the SPMTs allowed for sharp turns to be made and safe access into the dry dock area.

INSTALLATION OF CONCRETE TUNNEL SEGMENT, GERMANY

OvErvIEW: ALE successfully installed an 85m-long concrete tunnel segment in Castrop-Rauxel using eight 500te strand jacks, four 500te climbing jacks and four hydraulic winches with a capacity of 10te each.

SErvIcES rEQUIrEd: During the 56-hour operation, the Rhein-Herne channel was closed to all ship traffic. First stage of the operation was floating the segment to its lowering position. The segment was then connected to the strand jacks and the temporary wall on top was flooded and removed to decrease buoyancy. After the temporary wall was completely removed, ALE started lowering the segment using the computerised strand jack system. During the lowering, the actual height was measured and controlled. After final height was reached the weight was transferred to the climbing jacks and the fine-tuning began. Within 56 hours the channel was free for ship traffic again.

Page 11: new heights - ALE Heavylift · This means the Malaysia office works in a variety of sectors, but in the last 8 ... In each issue, New Heights takes an in-depth look at a different

issue 03

[email protected] WWW.ALE-HEAVYLIFT.cOm

personnel focus

Q: Describe your role

A: Jacob: As Marine Supervisor, I need to coordinate with transport personnel to ensure that cargo is loaded in the correct order, safely and on time, taking into consideration local weather and tidal considerations.

I was a Rigger Foreman in a previous role, before I joined ALE in 1994. My duties are mainly in barging, but I still have the skills to work at rigging and installation when required.

A: Shukla: I supervise trailer assembly, carry out pressure and maintenance checks once assembly is complete and operate and supervise during transportation. I also carry out toolbox talks with the trailer crew and ensure that the method statement is being followed. When necessary I can help out with barge work and installations by either gantry system or skidding and jacking.

I started out as a mechanic in Bombay, India in 1976 before working for a company where I learnt about jacking, skidding, hydraulic repairs and maintenance, so I have a great deal of experience in the industry. I’ve been putting that knowledge to good use at ALE since 1994.

A: Anantha: Although I’m an installation supervisor, I also see myself as a teacher, passing on what I have learnt throughout my 17-year tenure at ALE to other members of the team.

My role includes making sure equipment is managed and organised properly whilst on site and monitoring any variations in site conditions which could have an impact on operations.

One of the most important aspects of my role is to follow the method statements produced by our engineers. By doing so we’re able to do the work to the best of our ability and more importantly – safely.

Q: What’s a typical day for you?

A: Jacob: A typical day would involve a 0700 start at the port, ensuring all the gear required is at hand, and informing everyone involved that the job is about to commence. Then I give a short toolbox talk. After that, the ballast is adjusted for each unit, one by one, until all units are onboard, followed by sea fastenings as indicated in the barge load-out plan.

A: Shukla: Every day is busy and has a new set of challenges. I start work at 0700 and that’s as certain as it gets – I never know when my day is going to finish, although it’s generally before nightfall for safety reasons.

A: Anantha: My day is often extremely varied as I can go from installation work, to transportation, to oil and gas fields.

Whatever the job is, I’m always working closely with operations and engineering departments to get the job done.

Q: What’s the most satisfying aspect of your role?

A: Jacob: My role has allowed me to see the world; I have travelled widely in the last few years to China, Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and even to Wales.

I always take great pleasure in a job well done, and one that’s safely completed; I like to see personnel I have trained carry out their duties competently and efficiently.

One job that stands out in my mind was in Taiwan, and involved rigging for a tandem crane lift of a 350te, 78m long column onto a concrete foundation 18m high. Keeping the load distribution equal on each crane was critical, but we succeeded.

A: Shukla: I enjoy everything about this job and its challenges. I am completely satisfied when I see a project through from start to finish without any problems. For example, we have just finished the transportation of a huge piece from Dammam to Manifa over a distance of 250km, which was very challenging – the piece weighed 319te, was 65m in length and had a diameter of 9.2m.

I’m currently working on the preparation and maintenance of conventional trailers for our next project. This will be 16 axles, 4 file, side by side, to receive three pieces arriving in Jubail Industrial port in Saudi Arabia.

A: Anantha: I enjoy working for ALE and I have seen many improvements over the years. The most satisfying part of the job is working for a company that is improving all the time. I’ve also travelled all over the world to countries such as Oman, Lebanon, Syria, Sri Lanka, UK, Egypt, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

The 2003 Taweelah Desalination plant job is a real highlight of my career. The job consisted of lifting 21 vessels, each weighing around 300–400te, to installation positions around 15m off the ground. We were given a fixed time frame of three and a half months to complete the job. We completed the job on scheduled and the client was very pleased!

Name: Jacob MatthewTitle: Marine Supervisor

Name: Indramani ShuklaTitle: Transport and Trailer

Operation Supervisor

Name: Anantha DevadigaTitle: Installation Supervisor

Our latest look at personnel provides insight into the roles of three colleagues in the Middle East, who have a combined experience of more than 50 years’ working for ALE.

Page 12: new heights - ALE Heavylift · This means the Malaysia office works in a variety of sectors, but in the last 8 ... In each issue, New Heights takes an in-depth look at a different

new heights issue 03

WORLDWIDE HEAVY TRANSPORTATION AND LIFTING [email protected] WWW.ALE-HEAVYLIFT.cOm

EUROPE

United Kingdom Staffordshire, Head Office +44 (0) 1889 272 500

United Kingdom Middlesbrough +44 (0) 1642 292 299

The Netherlands +31 (0) 76 571 5240

Spain +34 91 375 7160

Germany +49 (0) 211 9754889

Italy +44 (0) 1889 272 500

russia +7 499 252 3207

Norway +44 (0) 1642 292 299

NORTH AmERIcA

USA +1 (0) 713 946 3125

Mexico city +52 (55) 5250 3417

Mexico veracruz +52 (833) 262 01 93

SOUTH AmERIcA

Brazil +55 (11) 6381 1818

Argentina +54 (11) 4545 9315

venezuela +58 286 9233279

colombia +57 313 671 0832

Panama +34 91 375 7160

Peru +511 98847 8800

ALE GLOBAL cONTAcTS: AFRIcA

North Africa +44 (0) 1889 272 500

South Africa +27 (0) 21 842 2762

mIDDLE EAST

United Arab Emirates +971 (0) 2 5511662

Qatar +974 4456 7730

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 (0) 3 3448551

ASIA PAcIFIc

Indonesia +62 21 31907912

Malaysia +60 7 2553 202

Thailand +66 38 893 700

Taiwan +44 (0) 1642 292 299

Korea +82 (0) 2 2040 7785

vietnam +84 64 359 7771

Australia +60 7 2553 202