Solutions
Platform Facilities Upgrading
When platform space and object access are severely restricted, conventional heavy lifting equipment often becomes impractical or cost-prohibitive. Thunder Cranes resolved this exact operational challenge on an offshore platform in Malaysia by engineering a custom, portable lifting strategy to replace two existing HVAC units.
The client needed to replace two HVAC units positioned on top of the offshore platform’s living quarters. The rooftop area lacked existing cranes or lifting devices, and the elevation was too high for a standard work barge crane to reach. Mobilizing a specialized liftboat or heavy barge crane solely for two individual 3-ton lifts was financially impractical.
Thunder Cranes was engaged to provide a compact lifting solution utilizing a portable modular crane. The team solved the spatial limitations by installing the portable and modular TC05 crane directly in the restricted gap between the living quarters and the helideck. Once the crane components were moved into place, a custom footing was constructed over the existing deck structure to mount the TC05 outrigger using a sandwich clamp method with pre-drilled deck holes through the living quarters (LQ) room.
Key Project Details
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Location: Malaysia
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Application: Facilities Engineering
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Key Challenge: Restricted space, high elevation, and lack of direct overhead crane access.
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Services Provided: Site Survey & Lift Plan, Offshore Rental Crane, Custom Rig-Up of TC05 Stiff-Leg, and Skidding & Lifting Operations.
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Primary Benefit: Cost-effective alternative compared to hiring a liftboat or large barge crane.
Execution & Operational Strategy
Because the supply vessel carrying the new HVAC units could not come alongside directly below the intended installation zone, the lifting process was split into two distinct stages:
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Primary Transfer: The platform’s main pedestal crane lifted the new HVAC units from the supply vessel to the main deck.
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Staging Movement: The units were manually skidded into a temporary staging area below the TC05 crane’s working radius.
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Final Elevation: The TC05 crane lifted the HVAC units directly from the temporary staging area up to the rooftop level for final installation.
Outcome
Offshore climate control is critical for personnel safety and equipment performance in Southeast Asia. Thunder Cranes completed the rigging setup, transfer, and installation of both HVAC units within 3 days. This modular approach saved the client significant time and cost compared to deploying expensive liftboats or crane barges.
