Cavotec drag chains drive bridge behemoth

What’s 57 metres long, weighs 200 tonnes and will link a floating hotel with oil platforms? Answer: the world’s longest offshore telescopic bridge. The bridge, built by Marine Aluminium, will be a walkway between specialised accommodation vessel Edda Fortis and oil installations in the North Sea.

This highly specialised unit – powered by our advanced cable chain systems – will initially see service in the North Sea, but is designed to be readily adaptable to a variety of different applications.

The walkway section of the bridge is primarily made from aluminum, with just a 10 per cent steel content, making the structure light but durable.

This is the first time that Marine Aluminium has delivered a telescopic pedestal. It will be mounted on the vessel together with a winch system and can be raised and lowered as required.

Compared to conventional walkways, this bridge requires a large amount of hydraulics and management systems. Our drag chains ensure uninterrupted rotational, vertical and horizontal movement.

You can read more about this unusual application (in Norwegian) in Teknisk Ukeblad. And here’s news of another recent offshore energy project where our drag chains played a critical role.