Maersk Supply Service has exercised an option to add Rolls-Royce’s new Anchor Recovery Frames (ARF) to the supply contract awarded in December for deck machinery for six high-end anchor handlers under construction at Norway’s Kleven Verft AS, Rolls-Royce said Tuesday in a press release.
The contract marks the first reference for Rolls-Royce’s next generation ARF, designed in cooperation with Maersk to optimise vessel safety and efficiency.
John Knudsen, Rolls-Royce, President Commercial Marine, said: "The success of this next generation Anchor Recovery Frame is testament to the close working relationship we have with Maersk. As with all our customers, it is very important to have a ship supplier/end-user relationship to continuously improve our systems and technologies. The more complex vessels become, and the greater the focus on safety and efficiency, the more differentiated are the kinds of deck machinery our customers need.”
Runar Hjelle, Rolls-Royce, Area Sales Manager added: “The 95-metre long vessels are designed by Salt Ship Design with a prime focus on safety and efficiency. This is further enhanced with the addition of the new Anchor Recovery Frame technology we have developed with Maersk.
“The new system is designed to reduce the loads generated when anchors are lifted from sea to deck, and lowered from the deck into the sea. And when not in use, this innovative recovery frame can be stowed in a deck recess hidden by a mechanically operated hatch cover, providing a much safer working deck environment for ships’ crews. It makes for a more efficient operation.”
Unlike existing Anchor Handling Frames which have a 90 degree operating angle, the Rolls-Royce ARF can be operated at a 126 degree angle to the deck by way of two hydraulic cylinders and a free-rotating roller with a 1680mm diameter.
Capable of operation in temperatures ranging from -20ºC to 45ºC, the 8840mm wide, 7990mm high recovery frame has a nominal towline tension capacity of 200 tonnes with a lateral force of 50 tonnes.
In addition to the six ARFs, Rolls-Royce will supply each vessel with an advanced deck machinery package comprising a triple drum main anchor handling winch with a pull capacity of 500 tonnes; two secondary winches; cargo securing winches and other auxiliary winches; and a dry bulk cargo system. The scope of supply also includes Rolls-Royce rudders and steering gear.
The first six vessels are to be delivered from the Kleven Verft and Myklebust Verft between Q4 2016 and Q3 2017. If options for an additional four vessels are declared, the last vessel in the series will be delivered in Q1 2018.
Rolls-Royce will deliver the ARFs to the Kleven Veft from February 2016.
Rolls-Royce is a world leader in marine solutions, providing products, service and expertise to more than 30,000 vessels in the offshore, merchant, naval surface and submarine markets. It designs ships and its product range includes propulsion systems featuring diesel engines and gas turbines, propellers, thrusters and water jets. Rolls-Royce also provides manoeuvring and stabilising systems and deck machinery. The company employs over 39,000 skilled people, including 11,000 engineers, in offices, manufacturing and service facilities in over 50 countries.