DROMEC develops integrated winch system for IQIP

Branche: Crane solutions, Offshore, Renewable, Specials

DROMEC develops integrated winch system for IQIP

IQIP is a Dutch technology company that delivers equipment and solutions worldwide for the installation of foundations for offshore wind farms and oil and gas installations. The company designs and manufactures, among other things, piling hammers and advanced installation systems. For tilting monopiles, IQIP developed a tool featuring an integrated DROMEC winch system.

The challenge: upending monopiles

Monopiles are transported horizontally on the deck of installation vessels. Before they can be installed, these heavy structures must be safely and controllably upended into a vertical position.

For this process, IQIP developed the FPUT3500 (Flanged Pile Upending Tool). This tool is specifically designed to tilt monopiles in a controlled manner. The integrated DROMEC winch system engages with the L-shape at the top of the monopile and locks it via remote control.

The crane then lifts the monopile from a horizontal to a vertical position. Once the pile is upright, the winch system is remotely released and returns to the deck. This ensures the operation is carried out safely and efficiently, without requiring personnel to be present on deck during the process.

Compact power: DROMEC winch system

For this application, DROMEC developed a powerful yet compact integrated winch system. The winch has an electric drive of 25T and is reeved four times, resulting in a total pulling force of 80T. Despite this high capacity, the winch is very compactly integrated within the available space inside the tool. The control system was developed and integrated by IQIP themselves.

Project milestone

Recently, IQIP completed the load-out of their new FPUT3500. This impressive tool is now on its way to its first deployment at the Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm in the Scottish North Sea.

Collaboration with IQIP

Gijs, Sales at DROMEC: “Once again, we had the opportunity to develop a great tool for IQIP that they can use in their projects. It’s a pleasure to work with them, and they are very satisfied as well – that says it all 😉!”

Core question: How can monopiles be safely, controllably, and efficiently upended from a horizontal to a vertical position, without requiring personnel to be present on deck during the operation?

DROMEC recommendation: Develop a compact, integrated winch system with sufficient pulling capacity and remote control functionality, capable of safely engaging, locking, and releasing, enabling the upending process to be fully controlled and executed remotely.