Crane installation on offshore vessel Kingsborg for decommissioning project

The 50-tonne active heave compensated crane was manufactured by Sormec Italy. After a successful factory acceptance test, the crane was disassembled for transport to Niestern Sander by truck. Over the summer, Sormec and Niestern Sander reassembled the crane at the Niestern Sander terminal again for installation on the KINGSBORG.

It was not the first time the Kingsborg was at the Niestern Sander shipyard. In recent times, the offshore vessel has been a regular guest at Wagenborg's home yard. In October 2023, the Kingsborg was delivered from the yard and began its journey as an Subsea Support Vessel for an energy major, successfully completing several survey jobs in the North Sea. By April 2024, the Kingsborg transitioned to a Walk-to-Work (W2W) vessel after the installation of an Ampelmann gangway. During this period, also the crane’s Hydraulic Power Unit (HPU) and pedestal were installed on board. Throughout the summer, additional preparations were made for the crane installation. Currently the last acceptance tests are completed and certified.

With the newly equipped KINGSBORG Wagenborg again will be involved in the decommissioning of obsolete offshore infrastructure on the North Sea. Deck supervision on the KINGSBORG for the upcoming well abandonment project will be provided by Wagenborg subsidiary Wagenborg Foxdrill. The shift supervisors will coordinate the deck and subsea works as the liaison between deck operations and the bridge crew of the KINGSBORG. This decom project demonstrated the extensive knowledge and experience of Wagenborg as a service provider for the offshore industry. In addition, Wagenborg owns a variety of assets and equipment perfectly suitable for decommissioning your onshore and offshore assets. From disassembling jackets and topsides to transporting these units to shore.