new heights

THE ALE NEWSLETTER • ISSUE 10

Welcome... ALE JACK-UP 37,000T WHEATSTONE

...to the March edition of the ALE newsletter, with PROJECT TOPSIDE IN SOUTH KOREA
the latest news to keep you informed of our activities
around the world.
This edition showcases ALE as we continue to expand the regions in which
we operate, diversifying into new markets and increasing the services that
we provide. We are very proud to continue to receive recognition from our
clients for our performance in safety, most recently on two high profile
oil and gas projects: Wheatstone and Ichthys.
As the global market enters into a prolonged period of downturn in
investment in new oil and gas, energy and infrastructure projects,
it appears that the impact of this will affect our whole industry.
It is likely to hit hardest those that have stood still, who follow
rather than lead, or continue to do ‘more of the same’. In the
current market, clients are looking for dynamic companies that
can offer real value to their operations. They are looking for
innovative solutions that remove risks, reduce costs, down
time and construction time, as well as provide efficiencies
through solutions that were previously unforeseen.
ALE has always focused on being a dynamic business,
one with a track record of innovation, one that
changes and adapts and one that leads its industry.
Leading through the quality of our people,
the quality of our engineering capabilities and
industry-leading safety record. We lead through
listening to what our clients are striving
to achieve; and through creative thinking
supported by sound engineering practice
we identify the ground-breaking solutions.
ALE has never been better placed to
meet the challenges of the coming
years. We will fulfill those challenges
by doing what we always strive to
do. By leading.
Michael Birch
Regional Director –
UK & Projects

ALE’S ARGENTINA BRANCH

RECEIVE ISO 9001:2008 IN THIS ISSUE
ALE TO
BUILD ALE News
HEAVY DUTY Project Focus
JIB AND Branch Focus
WINCHES
ON AL.SK ALE People
CRANES HSQE
Case Studies

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 WORLDWIDE HEAVY TRANSPORTATION AND LIFTING

Company News

KELTBRAY AND ALE COLLABORATION SCOOPS

INDUSTRY AWARD
Keltbray, who subcontracted ALE for the Earls Court Bridge Removal Project,
was the joint winner of the Collaboration in Demolition Award category at the
ALE AGREES PARTNERSHIP Mark Foreman, ALE Director for the South East Asia region, noted
that: “The ability to cooperate with a valued local partner, such as
2015 World Demolition Awards. WITH GTA CONSTRUCTION GTA Construction, will enhance and expedite the ability of ALE to
Keltbray also worked in collaboration with Capital and Countries PLC and IN INDONESIA apply our full range of extensive engineering capabilities for the
Network Rail, to remove the whole of Bridge 19, a structure that spans the West benefit of clients within Indonesia.”
ALE’s Indonesian branch, PT ALE Heavy Lift Indonesia, has
London Line (WLL) at the Earls Court exhibition centre in London, UK. entered into a cooperation agreement with GTA Construction. Both companies can together offer a full range of services across
Up against five other contenders in the category, the two joint winners all market sectors in Indonesia. This includes heavy lifting and
By working together, both companies hope to capitalise transportation, mechanical installation, steel structure and piping
were announced at the World Demolition Summit 2015 in Amsterdam, the on the complementary services to exploit future opportunities
Netherlands. Keltbray were joint winners with another demolition company who fabrication and installation, maintenance, engineering, jacking,
in Indonesia. logistics, marine engineering and turnkey operations.
worked on a project based in the UK.

ALE ARE DOUBLE TRANSPORT WINNERS AT THE HEAVIES AWARDS

ALE has won two awards at The Heavies, Job of the Year (BE16) the boundaries within the UK transport market. Both jobs
and Project of the Year. presented complex challenges which were solved with a bespoke ALE EXPANDS INTO CHINA
solution, utilising our in-house expertise and extensive transport
Up against several other companies in the UK transport and heavy ALE is expanding throughout Asia and
fleet. I’m really proud of all of the teams involved and for the
haulage industry, ALE scooped the Job of the Year (BE16) for the has recently opened its first branch
industry recognition.”
Highbury transformer move and the Project of the Year for the in Tianjin, China. BEIJING
Western Link Project. Ran in association with the Heavy Transport Association (HTA),
The Heavies award ceremony was held for the second time at With offices already established in
The Highbury job involved the delivery of three transformers, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, the
Bruntingthorpe in Leicestershire, UK, in March.
weighing 135t and measuring 7.6m x 4.98m x 4.55m, to the new Philippines and Malaysia, ALE’s TIANJIN
National Grid substation in Highbury, North London. Because of The award ceremony was attended by hundreds from the UK investment in the new office in China
site restrictions, ALE needed to tranship the transformer onto a heavy transport industry and the 17 categories honoured the signifies major growth across the South
smaller trailer at Holloway – a busy high street area of London. achievements of industry organisations who have contributed
East Asia region. SHANGHAI
Judges praised ALE’s planning and traffic management: towards innovation, outstanding service, efficiency and quality.
“Finding a suitable site to tranship loads of this size from girder Jeff Lee, Country Manager China, said:
trailers to SPMTs in one of the world’s most congested cities “We are experienced in operating and HONG KONG
is an achievement in itself, a showcase for this company’s range executing projects in China, focusing on
of capabilities.” transportation and load-out services.
During the year-long Western Link project, ALE were tasked We made the decision to invest in
with transporting a total of 19 transformers to two separate site a permanent base in the port city of Tianjin to service the
locations as part of a major energy project linking Scottish Power developing global Chinese EPC contractors, the existing
and National Grid. Once delivered, ALE prepared the transformers offshore markets, and expand our business development
for their site installations. Judges hailed the project as “a world opportunities throughout the country.”
class performance.” EXHIBITION DATES
Matthew Rushton, Senior Sales Manager for ALE who collected FOR 2016
the awards, said: “We are delighted to have won two awards at We are exhibiting at the following
The Heavies; this demonstrates how we are continuing to push exhibitions in 2016:
Offshore Technology Conference (OTC), USA
2th - 5th May
ALE PROVIDES ENHANCED HARBOUR CRANE SOLUTIONS ALE COMMENDED FOR INNOVATION
Breakbulk Europe, Belgium
ALE’s Middle East branch, in conjunction with the Recently, the team has performed projects for STS AND DESIGN AWARD
24th - 28th May
European and South American offices, are currently and RTG cranes in Kuwait, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Togo
managing the delivery of port cranes including STS, and Guatemala. ALE’s Mega Jack 800 has been commended in the
World Nuclear Exhibition (WNE), France
RTGs, RMGs and carriers to the industry. Innovation and Design category for The Manufacturer MX
“By providing specific technical expertise, our Middle 28th - 30th June
Awards 2015.
These enhanced services are working across multiple East Division provides an enhanced service for our
Offshore Northern Seas, Norway
regions that specialise in the mechanical and electrical clients that goes beyond our standard operations,” The judges were extremely impressed with ALE’s entry
assembly, modification, extensions or inspections, said Ronnie Adams, Senior Project Manager for ALE. 29th August - 1st September
and every year they are given very limited discretion to
movement over land and by sea and installation of all award a small number of commendations. Offshore Energy, the Netherlands
types of cranes. “We have performed these type of operations for
several years managed out of Middle East; our 25th - 26th October
With a specialist crane division based in Abu Dhabi, expertise has now reached Africa and the Central and
UAE, acting as the hub for managing these South America markets. Following the successful
harbour crane projects globally, ALE can provide completion of container crane work in Guatemala,
extended services to include assembly, service and we have also secured contracts for work across the
maintenance. region in Barbados, Peru and Mexico.”

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ALE SECURES CRANE HIRE CONTRACTS IN AUSTRALIA

Office News ALE has secured four major crane hire contracts. This includes
the Yarwun and Queensland Alumina Refineries in Gladstone
and the lift service contracts for two of the new LNG plants
ALE AWARDS WORK OF SPANISH CIVIL ENGINEERS on Curtis Island, all based in Queensland, Australia.
ALE’s civil engineering awards, Premios ALE, were held on 26th February at the Ritz Hotel in Madrid, Spain. ALE has been contracted to supply up to 20 dry and wet
cranes at each of the Gladstone plants for three years. ALE
In its 15th year, this event is organised by ALE’s Spanish branch to recognise and award the achievements of the very best
has already taken delivery of several new mobile cranes to
civil engineers in Spain. It was attended by professionals in the civil industries including civil engineers, constructors, designers
and consultants. support these contracts, including 100t, 90t and 55t mobile
cranes. Work started in early 2016 with further mobile cranes
Before the awards were announced, ALE’s Executive Director, Javier Martínez, and the General Manager of ALE’s Spanish branch, due for delivery in mid-2016.
Hugo Ruiz, gave a speech about former award winners, recent engineering and professional achievements.
These operations will be supported from ALE’s Gladstone
The finalists were judged by the Board of Directors from ALE’s Spanish branch, and based their decisions on the engineering
facility, from where the team will carry out full maintenance
achievements, professionalism and human aspects of the finalists.
of all equipment on a 24/7 and call-out basis, to ensure full
The winners were: time support of the refinery and LNG plant operations.
This signifies another major contract milestone the Australia
business has won in the last six months. After expanding
their services in 2015 with a dedicated Oil & Gas Services
team, ALE was also awarded the contract for the provision of
heavy haulage and in gauge transport support for the Santos
GLNG Project.
Paul Kelly, Director for ALE in Australia, said: “ALE has been
servicing the heavy industry in Gladstone for the last 15 years,
developing good relationships with our clients who understand
our priority to provide complete heavy transportation and lifting
solutions.  In addition, by securing the heavy haulage contract
with a notable blue chip client, it marks a major cornerstone
and early market entry for ALE’s recently-formed Oil & Gas
Services team in Australia.”

Juan Luis Lazaga Fiol Award: Mr. David C. Fernández-Ordóñez Hernández, Secretary General of FIB - the Federation for
Structural Concrete.
Toda una Vida Award: Mr. Santiago Pérez-Fadón Martínez, Director of Fadon Ingeniería SL and former Technical Director of Ferrovial.
Joven Profesional Award: Mr. D. Fernando Cea Soriano, Technical Area Manager at the Department of Structures – TYPSA.
The three winners also got to take home a sculpture exclusively designed by the artist Méndez Lobo.

ARGENTINIAN DRUM LIFT WINS TOPLIFT AWARD

ALE’S IRAQ BRANCH AWARDED KARBALA REFINERY PROJECT CONTRACTS
ALE’s Iraq branch has been
awarded the Karbala Refinery
Project contracts on behalf of
several different clients.
The scopes of work includes the
hire of approximately 50 crawler,
rough terrain and mobile cranes,
the execution of heavy lifting
operations, as well as the heavy
transportation of approximately
45 oversized items, weighing up
to 250t each.
The Karbala Refinery Project
has already commenced, with
each contracted scope lasting
between one to three years.
ALE has won the ‘TopLift’ contest for the lifting of three coke
drums, weighing 435t each, using a lattice boom crawler crane in
The new Karbala Oil Refinery Buenos Aires, Argentina.
is located in southern Iraq, two
hours south west of Baghdad, Announced in the December 2015 issue of International Cranes and
leading to increased local job Specialised Transport magazine, readers of the magazine voted for this
creation. The refinery is expected as their favourite lifting job.
to produce a capacity of 140,000 ALE beat stiff competition from several other heavylifting companies to win the award for the
barrels of crude oil per day. YPF Refinery coke drum lift which took place from May-October 2014.
Alberto Pittaluga, General The lifting job was selected by the magazine for the challenges it faced during the lift, where
Manager in Iraq, said: “We are ALE were working to install drums measuring 42m in height within very little space and small
delighted to support Iraq in the working area filled with obstacles such as trees and buildings.
Holy City of Karbala and we
hope that our involvement will ALE’s Argentina branch used a 1,350t capacity LR 11350 crane with P boom in four
successfully contribute to the configurations to optimise the manoeuvers in the space available and minimise any tree
cutting. In addition, load spreading mats of the AL.SK crane were used to reduce any ground
execution and completion of this
bearing pressure.
strategic project for the growth
of the country.” 

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 WORLDWIDE HEAVY TRANSPORTATION AND LIFTING
Equipment News
ALE LAUNCH NEW FLEET OF WIDENING
TRAILERS IN SOUTH AFRICA
ALE has expanded its global fleet of
trailers and invested in the latest range of
widening trailers that can be mechanically
widened from 3m up to the desired width
for the project.
These trailers can be mechanically widened
to get the maximum stability and footprint.
With 1.8m axle spacing, these trailers
are well suited to the transportation
requirements in South Africa as they offer
a reliable transport solution that can travel
long distances.
The trailers have a very strong spine beam,
therefore the need of load spreading on
trailers will be minimised. They also have
a greater capacity, with up to 45t per axle
line (2 file).
The trailers are extremely flexible in their
capacity with different configurations and
options of build, including 3m wide 2 file
and 4.3m wide 2 file. The 4.3m wide setup
is technically more stable than the normal
3 file setup. This not only adds strength
and flexibility, but by providing a stable
platform for long distance transportation,
they are safer.
INVESTMENT IN THE LATEST OFFSHORE WINCH
AND BALLAST TECHNOLOGY
ALE has continued its heavy investment in
equipment for the ALE – Offshore Services
division to support their growth in service
offerings to the offshore sector. Within the
last 12 months, the specialist team have
carried out three float overs utilising the
modular Rapid Ballast System in the Gulf
of Mexico, two of which utilised ALE’s
mooring equipment, personnel, supervision
and project management skills. The latest
innovative floatover mooring techniques
have been utilised through the use of
Dyneema ropes, thus requiring equipment
adaptation whilst adding extra knowledge
and experience to the offshore team.
Further new equipment packages include
20t winches to complement the high
capacity winches, roller fairleads and
6.
Ferdi Roberts, ALE’s Sales
Manager in South Africa,
explains how the trailers
will give the region the
commercial advantage:
“These new widening trailers
offer a smarter, safer and
stronger transport solution for our clients.
We will use less axles than our competitors
for the same load requirements as well as
offer improved stability at the same time.
They will also perform exceptionally well on
site moves as well as road transportation
and, with the added geometric and hydraulic
stability, outperform on strength and
versatility.
“With the ability to widen out at different
configurations they provide the much
sought-after flexibility that is lacking in the
industry in South Africa. At 1.8m, the trailers
are better suited to our local requirements,
clearing bridges easier than our competitors
and ultimately providing a safe and innovative
package that puts us at the forefront.
We now have more than three times the
number of axle lines than our competitors
and can thus execute larger projects with
ease whilst also reducing our clients’ risk
sheaves to complement their existing
mooring fleet winches. All this is in support
of a double barge fit out for a major load-out
and floatover project due to be completed
by mid-2016.
Another new addition includes an in-house
developed tidal monitoring device which
will cross check actual to predicted tide
levels. The power options include solar and
the data output is convertible to Excel/ALE
ballast calculation software.
ALE has also purchased 24 x 380hp diesel
driven hydraulic powerpack units which
are more powerful, PLC controlled and
with improved soundproofing. “The new
powerpacks designed by ALE’s Research &
Development department are multi-purpose
as they can be used across different
operations including ballasting, winching,
strand jacking and are operated throughout
by the same cross skilled personnel. These
subsequently will be saving valuable set-up
time, sought after barge deck space and
of paying demurrage to vessels because of
limited axle lines having to shuttle cargo.”
Ronald Hoefmans, Technical Director
at ALE added: “We interpret the needs
of the market; the new trailers in South
Africa provide us with a technical edge
and an adaptive solution. These trailers
have an unrivalled geometric and hydraulic
stability which maximises safety on the
tough routes we have to negotiate in many
African countries.”
ALE ordered 48 axle lines of the latest
trailer and are currently lined up to work
on several transportation contracts.
As a result of close collaboration with
the manufacturer, Goldhofer, these are
the latest trailers to join ALE’s widening
trailer fleet, after hydraulically widening
trailers were launched in Australia in 2014.
There are also plans to expand the fleet into
other branches.
barge accommodation. What’s more, all of
this is supported by improved operational
hydraulic power contingency,” explains
Dan Kempin, ALE’s Business Development
Manager – Offshore Services.
“The complementarity of the equipment
and personnel‘s skills within the ALE –
Offshore Services toolbox provides our
clients with the reassurance that ALE can
provide the most time and space saving
methods available; therefore offering
great value for money within a simplified
managed solution.”
ALE TO BUILD HEAVY DUTY JIB AND 4,000T WINCHES ON AL.SK CRANES
ALE has started to build a heavy duty jib,
with lengths up to 100m, that can fit onto
both the AL.SK190 and AL.SK350 cranes.
The new jib will have a 3,400t lifting capacity
and will be built from specialist steel milled
with steel grades up to S1100QL used.
The jib is a modular design and can be
assembled in different configurations.
As part of the Innovation Series, ALE’s
AL.SK190 and AL.SK350 cranes are
designed for the lifting and installation
of ultra-heavy loads.
They can be equipped with a 4,000t main
winch system and a 600t auxiliary quick
NEW WIND
EQUIPMENT
ARRIVES IN
SOUTH AFRICA
ALE’s South African branch
is now better equipped to
service the wind energy sector
with the purchase of two
new sets of tower clamps.
The tower clamps, which will
be used to transport wind
turbines, have the advantage
of clearing difficult routes
with limited height clearance.
Because of their design, the
tower sections are carried
closer to the ground and, as
a result, will be able to pass
under low bridges. They can
also self-load and self-offload
tower sections, giving the
branch further commercial and
operational advantages over
competitors in the region.
winch system. For weights from
4,000t - 5,000t a strand jack lifting system
will be utilised.
These cranes can perform lifts previously
unachievable, whilst occupying a very small
footprint and have the ability to save clients
time and money on the construction site by
reducing schedule, risk and cost.
Ronald Hoefmans, ALE’s Technical Director,
said: “The AL.SK cranes have always been
designed with a potential for a jib but it
has previously never been required. We
anticipated the need to lift with heavier
capacities to bigger heights and now have
confirmed contracts to do so. At ALE,
ALE ANNOUNCE PLANS FOR 8,000T HEAVY LIFTING CRANE
ALE has announced their latest Innovation
Series heavy lifting solution, the AL.SK 700.
By combining two AL.SK cranes, the largest
capacity land based cranes in the world, into
one heavy lifting system ALE’s new AL.SK 700
will be able to lift loads of up to 8,000t with a
load moment of 708,000tm. The system will
operate with two 4,000t winch systems and
two hook blocks.
The AL.SK 700 is ideally suited to lift
super-heavy modules found in the offshore
and shipbuilding industry.
This innovative twin boom system will be
operated from one control room by a single
operator.
It is fully containerised for shipping globally so
it can be deployed to all locations and across
different market sectors.
“At present, our revolutionary AL.SK350
has the lifting capacity of 5,000t and a load
WWW.ALE-HEAVYLIFT.COM
our priority is to foresee future challenges
and provide an innovative solution for
our clients.
“The new jib will enable us to achieve this
and lift heavy loads to bigger heights with
a larger radius. The jib will be comprised of
a unique patented design with a wide strut.
It is this special design which will boost
the lifting capacity.”
The first contract for the jib will involve
uplifting modules weighing up to 2,800t
to a height of 65m.
ALE started the fabrication works in March
2016 and the build is expected to complete
by the end of the year.
moment of 354,000tm,” explains
Giovanni Alders, Sales Manager ALE –
Global Projects Division.
“We are receiving requests to lift up to 7,000t,
particularly in the shipbuilding and offshore
sector with the integration of heavier FPSOs
and LNG modules onto new build hulls. We
are always looking for innovative ways to solve
our clients’ challenges and reduce project
schedules and money spent. By joining two
cranes together into the AL.SK 700, we can lift
loads weighing 8,000t, which has never been
previously achievable.”
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 WORLDWIDE HEAVY TRANSPORTATION AND LIFTING

Project Focus ALE HALF WAY

THROUGH LANDMARK
TRANSPORTATION
ALE COMPLETE UK’s HEAVIEST 26,500T SKIDDING PROJECT IN VENEZUELA
OPERATION FOR THE HMS PRINCE OF WALES WARSHIP ALE was contracted to transport 253 pieces of
equipment and modules, weighing a combined
total of 29,849t, for the Deep Conversion Project
in Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela.
The contract involves unloading the equipment
and modules off the ships from Guanta Port,
transporting them to their intermediate location
1km away in El Chaure, and finally transporting
them to several different storage points at the
Puerto La Cruz Refinery. ALE will provide the full engineering, operations and logistic scopes to ensure all loads are delivered safely
and on schedule.
Each piece of equipment and module range in size and weight, between 38t – 314t. As the dimensions of the equipment and modules
vary so much in length, width and height, ALE are required to utilise different configurations of 48 and 24 axle lines of SPMT.
Miguel Echeverri, Country Manager for ALE’s Colombia branch, said: “It is fantastic to be working on this milestone transportation job.
This is one of the biggest contracts we have won and we our utilising all of local expertise and equipment to ensure all pieces are
delivered safely and on schedule.”
The project is expected to last 10 months.

ALE has skidded the forward section of the second aircraft
carrier, weighing 26,500t, for the HMS Prince of Wales in Rosyth
Dockyard, UK. This is the heaviest item to ever be skidded in the
UK by ALE.
ALE was contracted to jack-up and skid a total of four sections,
one lighter and one heavier section per ship, as part of a major
contract for the aircraft carrier project. In 2013 ALE completed
their scope for the first warship, HMS Queen Elizabeth and in
October skidded the final sections for the second warship, HMS
Prince of Wales.
The operation involved jacking-up and skidding two sections,
weighing 13,050t and 26,500t respectively. Firstly, ALE
jacked-up the sections from their support, skidded the lighter
section approximately 94m and the heavier section
approximately 18m.
The skidshoes used for the skidding operation consisted of a
built-in jacking system that could be easily installed under the
specially designed building supports. The supports had been
placed on five rows of dock blocks to prevent sagging and provide
easy access under the sections.
ALE used a total of 35 skidshoes for the lighter module and 58
skidshoes for the heavier module, both with a minimum capacity
of 500t. 800m of skid track was required to skid the lighter
section and 650m used to skid the heavier section.
1,000t of spreader plates were fabricated to suit the skid shoes,
with the ability of the wings on the bow to be taken off in an
earlier stage to speed up the lead time of the project.
During the final stages of the skidding operation ALE crew
members maintained constant contact with the Babcock
International’s dimensional control team to manipulate the sections
as best as possible to create a suitable fit-up to the other sections.
Tim van As, Project Engineer, who oversaw the engineering
and managed the skidding operation, said: “This is the first
time ALE has ever attempted to skid an item of such an extreme
weight in the UK. We complied with the strict security and safety
standards throughout and during the operation we overcame
several challenges.
“It is fantastic to be part of what could potentially be a world first
in skidding capabilities. By utilising our global network of
equipment and technical expertise from the UK, Spain and the
Netherlands to complete this operation, we are all proud of what
has been achieved.
“These installations represent a major milestone towards the
completion of our overall scope and the construction of the largest
warships ever to be built for the Royal Navy.”
As ALE has now completed the final load-in operations for the
Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carrier project, they will perform
the final two weighings at the Rosyth Yard.
ALE AWARDED MAJOR WIND ENERGY CONTRACT IN THAILAND
ALE has been awarded a major contract
for the transportation, crane lifting and
installation of 24 2.5MW turbines to be
erected on a project site in Khao Kor,
Thailand.
The scope involves receiving the
components from the vessel in several
shipments over three months, before
offloading and transporting them into a
temporary storage facility at the port of
Laem Chabang, Chonburi province, Thailand.
ALE will also be responsible for transporting
the components 620km to the site location,
offloading and erecting the turbines,
and finally the mechanical and electrical
installation of all the components. ALE will that we can meet our clients’ demands.
then hand over to the client for the We have invested heavily into this project,
final commissioning. employing 70 new members of staff and
ordering new cranes, trucks, blade trailers,
Kees Kompier, Regional Director –
specialist tower transporters and extendable
Australasia and South East Asia, said:
trailers to compliment the equipment already
“We are delighted to have secured this
in Thailand.”
contract and it marks a major milestone for
ALE, highlighting our growing presence in The project has now commenced and ALE
South East Asia’s wind energy sector. received the first shipment of components
in October. The erection commenced in early
“ALE has made the significant investments
January 2016 and is expected to complete
to help meet the requirements of both
in May 2016.
existing and new clients in the region. As the
towers grow higher and the diameter of the
rotors increase to maximise the yield, we are
investing in the latest technology to ensure

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ALE COMPLETES SOHAR REFINERY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT IN OMAN
ALE has completed the year-long
transportation and installation project in
Oman. This is the first project ALE’s Oman
branch has won, executed and delivered
since opening a permanent base in Muscat
in 2015.
ALE was contracted by Petrofac to
transport 268 Heavylift (HL)/ Out of Gauge
(OOG) units and install 184 HL / OOG units
for ORPIC’s Sohar Refinery Improvement
Project located in the Sohar Industrial Area,
some 230 km north west of Muscat.
The weights of the units varied depending
on the components, from 96.5t to 920t.
Depending on the piece, ALE utilised 64
ALE COMPLETE FINAL LOAD-OUT FOR THE
ICHTHYS PROJECT IN THAILAND
ALE has completed the final module
load-out for the Ichthys Project Onshore
LNG Facilities in Thailand in January 2016.
ALE’s Thailand branch were contracted
to perform the load-out, site moves,
and weighing of 151 modules of inter-
connect piperacks, jetty piperacks and slug
catcher area and pig receiver PAU’s.
The modules varied in weight from 24t to
1,928t and ALE utilised a maximum trailer
arrangement of 120 axle lines and five power
pack units throughout the operations.
The contract was completed in January,
coinciding with the 30th sea voyage from
the client’s construction yard at Laem
Chabang Port, Thailand, to Bladin Point in
Darwin, Australia.
ALE was also proud to have received an
award from the client for World Class Safety
Performance, as the team achieved 732
consecutive days without a lost time injury
during the project.
10.
axle lines of SPMTs and 48 axle lines
of conventional trailers to transport the
pieces 2 - 4km from port to site laydown
area / foundation.
Once in their final positions, ALE used
multi-crane lifts to install the components,
deploying 1,600t, 750t, 600t, 180t, 100t
and 60t cranes, in order to lift each piece.
ALE needed to move the cranes using
SPMTs from one location to the next.
Shafic Tilllawi, Project Manager for ALE,
said: “Right from the start, this project was
challenging as we had to deliver and install
the components within a tight delivery
schedule. It was also logistically complex.
ALE’s Engineering Manager, Worrasak
Noenpa, who managed the project and
ALE’s scope in Thailand explains the
challenges faced by the team: “ALE were
required to complete the complex module
loadout engineering design in collaboration
with the client and the main contractor.
Whilst it was challenging, we made sure all
risks were mitigated and we found that the
adjacent sea wall offered protection from
wind and sea swells, ensuring relatively
risk-free load-outs.
“I’m really proud of the Thailand team’s
hard work throughout this long-term project
and this is the evident reflected in the quality
of the operations. This is a testament to
ALE’s training regime, making the receipt
of our client’s prestigious safety award even
more rewarding.”
The crane moves were performed on a
congested site and careful coordination
with the local tenants and the Royal Oman
Police was required in order to shut down
the electricity in the overhead cables and
cross a water intake culvert with a low
ground bearing pressure.
“The teams involved worked together to
ensure that all units were delivered and
installed safely and on schedule to our
client’s high quality standards.”
It took almost one year to complete the
transportation scope and seven months
to complete the installation.
ALE SKID, NAVIGATE AND LIFT 1,000T MAIN ARCH FOR
WALTERDALE BRIDGE IN CANADA
ALE has successfully completed the skidding, navigation and “This was a truly impressive operation. The team worked
lifting manoeuvres of the 1,000t main arch as part of the tirelessly to complete the critical skidding, navigation and
Walterdale Bridge replacement project in the city of Edmonton, installation of the 950t central arch necessary for the Walterdale
the capital of Alberta, in Canada. Bridge replacement. We are very happy to have achieved this
critical milestone,” said Pedro Martinez, ACCIONA Project
ALE was contracted by APJV (ACCIONA – Pacer joint venture)
Manager for the Walterdale Bridge Replacement Project.
to proceed with the skidding, navigation and heavy lifting of the
main arch. The replacement project, with a budget of $155 million, involves
the implementation of the first bridge of this type in the city of
ALE started the skidding and navigation operations in November
and completed the lifting of the main arch in January.
Edmonton. This modern structure, with two arches measuring
56m high, will replace the old Walterdale Bridge, which has
ALE used the monitored external ballasting system for modular served the city for over a century.
pontoons. The skidding was performed by coordinating the
skidshoes system located on land with the mooring system
located on the barges. The mooring system was composed of
four winches attached to the barge.
Once the skidding was completed, the arch was transported by
two pontoons located on the interior supports along the North
Saskatchewan River until they reached the final position.
The arch was then positioned ready for the vertical lifting, which
was carried out using four lifting units in just over five hours. ALE
is expected to complete in the second and final lift, weighing
1,800t and measuring 146m long, in April 2016.
Álvaro Sáenz, Project Manager for the Walterdale Bridge
Replacement Project, said: “It is fantastic to be working on this
monumental bridge project. Our multidisciplinary and experienced
team have been working in extreme conditions for many weeks,
achieving high quality engineering and have completed these
complicated manoeuvres in a timely manner. This is a challenging
scope and despite the narrow time frame and frosty weather
conditions, ALE completed this phase safely and on schedule.”
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 WORLDWIDE HEAVY TRANSPORTATION AND LIFTING
BRANCH FOCUS
AZERBAIJAN
ALE established its first branch in the
Azerbaijan Republic as ALE Caspian LLC in
May 2013. The yard, which is also based
within close proximity to Bosshelf shipyard
and Sangachal terminal in Baku, is strategically
located close to the major project sites as well
as supporting regional demands.
“In September 2013, we became accredited
by AZERMS. This accreditation is essential as
it demonstrates that we are a recognised
local entity and have a local base,” explains
Fuad Mammadov, Regional Business
Development Manager.
“This base in Baku means that international
customers can tap into the ALE suite of
services locally in Azerbaijan.”
The branch’s first project took place in
December 2013 and since then they have
worked across the civils, offshore and oil
and gas sectors.
Work can be seasonal in Azerbaijan. April –
October marks the navigation season
between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea
when the sea and Russian inner river channels
are not frozen. Because of the sheer size of
the country and region Azerbaijan covers, a
project usually takes place over weeks, rather
12.
than days, with multiple piece contracts rather
than one-off single pieces. ALE’s project
management is therefore attractive to
our clients.
From Baku, ALE is working on projects
across the Caspian and Central Asian
region, particularly in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan,
Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
More recently, ALE has been awarded a
major contract in Azerbaijan for the SOCAR
Fertilisation Project. This is a major milestone
for the region and is one of the biggest
contracts awarded to date within the Caspian
and Central Asian regions. The scope involves
the land transportation of over 41 out of
gauge (OOG), super out of gauge (SOOG)
and super heavy units to the plant, as well
as the provision of project management
and engineering solutions. The project has
commenced and involves the delivery of
cargo measuring 12m high - the highest cargo
to have ever been transported in the country.
ALE will also provide the construction of
bypasses and reinforcement of the bridges on
the 100km route between Baku to Sumgayit.
“It is an interesting and exciting time for ALE
in the Caspian and Central Asian regions.
ALE has two key strategic locations, one in
Baku, Azerbaijan, and the other in Atyrau,
Kazakhstan, allowing us to support effectively
the demands for the region,” Fuad continues.
“One of the challenges we face is the sheer
spread and size of the region. As a result,
we constantly review our position with the
potential to expand regionally. Our vision?
To be positioned as the regional heavylift
contractor of choice.”
Sectors: Power generation, civils, oil and gas.
Equipment on site:
• Up to 100 axles of conventional trailers
KAZAKHSTAN
• Four heavy duty low bed trailers (extendable)
• Additional cranes, flatbeds, trucks and fork lifts are
GEORGIA
outsourced for specific projects.
UZBEKISTAN
Services: Heavy lift and heavy transport, project
management, route surveying and clearance, engineering, AZERBAIJAN
TURKMENISTAN
supervision, with regular updates of the project to clients. TAJIKISTAN
Working in the Caspian and Central Asia
Over the last few years ALE has established a reputation
locally for its project management services that provide a
full solution in Azerbaijan and the rest of the Caspian and
Central Asian region. By taking advantage of ALE’s global
reputation for innovation, high quality HSE standards and the
international network of equipment, clients are fully aware of
the capabilities and global resources the branch, and region, can utilise.
There is an emergence of renewable markets, for instance, in Azerbaijan where the Government are trialling wind farms as possible
alternative energy sources. With the potential for weighing and strand jacking with ALE’s Offshore Services, there are many
opportunities for the branch to work with specialist ALE divisions and across new markets and sectors.
CASE STUDY
SHAH DENIZ 2-TERMINAL EXPANSION To overcome this planning was required in DELIVERY OF TWO MARBLE
PROJECT, AZERBAIJAN advance to gain permissions to travel on STONES, AZERBAIJAN
the opposite side of the road. ALE arranged
OVERVIEW OVERVIEW
for the power company to lift the lines so
ALE has performed the transportation the convoy could go underneath. To avoid ALE has transported two marble stones,
management of 57 cargo-vessels and the low bridge, ALE worked with the Police weighing 105t and 110t, from Dashgasan
transported over 200 pieces of equipment, and local transport authorities so they could to Baku, Azerbaijan for the state project,
weighing up to 200t, for the Shah Deniz travel on the opposite side of the road with named white city.
2-Terminal Expansion Project, near Baku. the required permissions and escorts.
SERVICES REQUIRED
SERVICES REQUIRED ALE utilised a range of conventional
trailers in different configurations and ALE used 8 axle lines of conventional
For this, ALE provided the engineering, flatbed trailers to move the cargo trailers to transport the marble stones
design, route surveys, management of approximately 25km to the Sangachal 400km to Baku.
civil works and transportation services. terminal, one of the world’s largest The main challenge ALE faced were the
ALE received the vessels under the integrated oil and gas processing terminals. critical weather conditions and the limited
crane’s hook at a fabrication yard where One of the critical elements of the project environmental window to transport the
the vessels had been stored or offloaded is to ensure the synergy of all processes cargo to Baku.
from the cargo vessels. and allocation of equipment, arranging
permits and civil work to ensure a timely It took a total of six days to complete,
A route survey was carried out prior to the dispatch and release for next vessels three days for each.
move, which identified several obstacles from the port.
such as low powerlines and bridges.
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 WORLDWIDE HEAVY
WORLDWIDE HEAVY TRANSPORTATION
TRANSPORTATION AND
AND LIFTING
LIFTING

ALE RECOGNISED FOR WORLD CLASS

ALE PEOPLE HSQE SAFETY PERFORMANCE IN THAILAND
ALE has been presented with an award for World
ALE LAUNCH ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME ALE GIVEN SAFETY Class Safety Performance for 732 consecutive days
AWARD BY SHELL without a lost time injury. The award was presented
ALE’s latest internal learning and development initiative, the ALE Engineer after ALE completed the final load-out of 151 modules
Development Programme, is now underway. After discussions at the global ALE has received a recognition award by one on 13th January 2016 for the Ichthys Onshore LNG
Engineering Forum in 2015, ALE’s Learning and Development team launched the of the industry’s biggest contractors, Shell. Facilities Project in Thailand.
programme as a way to enhance opportunities for engineers at ALE and ensure
global consistency across our network of over 30 branches worldwide. ALE won the ‘Goal Zero Hero’ award for their As ALE’s work on the Ichthys
safety efforts during the superlift activities for Onshore LNG Facilities Project
As well as some training and gathering practical experiences, the programme the Malikai Project. In July, ALE jacked-up the comes to a close in Thailand and
involves skills exchanges where engineers spend time at other branches in order Malikai Topside 40m high, before skidding the the final load-out is complete,
to learn about the different technical specialities and challenges at other locations, Topside a distance of 90m whilst at this elevation the award marks a great
directly from their counterparts - the equipment specialists. achievement and represents
– making these the world’s highest jack-up and
Richie Mason, Project and Engineering Development Manager, said: “The Engineering skidding operations performed on this scale. the pride the company takes
Fundamentals Training Programme is being implemented in the UK, UAE, the in ensuring world class safety
Netherlands and Argentina, with plans to run this globally.” Shell praised ALE for their commitments to safety on-site and their performance.
pro-active intervention of other safety related issues.
Edwin Blösser explained the safety measures put in place during
the Malikai Project: “Safety and quality are always priorities when
ALE GRADUATE ENGINEER executing jacking and skidding operations on this scale. We actively
participated in the weekly safety meetings and raised awareness onsite
RECEIVES WOMEN IN by doing walkabouts, enforcing the safety standards and informing
CIVIL ENGINEERING other parties as well as the safety crew of SHELL/TMJV/MMHE onsite
regarding potential hazards.
RECOGNITION
“We also made sure that whatever we did onsite was done safely and AUSTRALIA TEAM WIN
OPERATOR TRAINING SUCCESS ALE’s Laura Davies has won the
paid attention to simultaneous operations in our surrounding areas. SUBCONTRACTOR OF THE MONTH
John Pike Award for Women in Civil
ALE has seen ongoing success with its in-house Standard If this wasn’t deemed safe by ALE we would not continue working
Engineering at Nottingham Trent
and firstly solve the safety risks. It’s fantastic to be recognised for our
AWARD BY JKC AUSTRALIA LNG
Schemes of Training (SSOTs). There are currently 10 University (NTU).
vocational training schemes, covering ALE’s global fleet of safety measures and it highlights our best practice onsite. It was the ALE has been awarded the Subcontractor of the Month
specialised equipment, from SPMTs and gantries, to jacks As an alumni student of Nottingham whole ALE crew who made it possible to receive this award.” award by the IIF team from JKC Australia LNG.
and the AL.SK350 crane. It is compulsory for all equipment Trent University, Laura was nominated
ALE has been performing module load-ins for the Ichthys
operators to enroll on a scheme, which gives them the for the award by the university’s Board
opportunity to progress through different belt levels from of Examiners who were extremely impressed by Laura, commending ALE’S ARGENTINA BRANCH RECEIVE Onshore LNG Facilities Project in Darwin, Australia,
using the Hydro Deck. This is the second time in the last
yellow to brown and potentially all the way to black. her academic performance and engagement with the Women in ISO 9001:2008 CERTIFICATION
year that JKC Australia LNG has recognised ALE’s hard
Engineering group at the university. This group strives to promote the
“SSOTs run across the whole ALE group,” explains Kay ALE’s Argentina branch has achieved work and safety efforts for this project. The Hydro Deck
opportunities that exist for women in construction-related fields and
Sproulle, Global Training Specialist for ALE. “What is great ISO 9001:2008 which certifies that we work employees have played a big part in the IIF (Incident &
assists undergraduate students in preparing for the world of work.
about the SSOTs is that they are specific to us and our to and meets the requirements of the Injury Free) program for the Ichthys site.
industry. They are designed to help prevent incidents, Laura, who, after graduating from NTU with BEng (Hons) in Civil ISO 9001:2008 global standards, performing
Ken Mansell, HSES Advisor for ALE in Darwin, said:
injuries or damage and maintain global consistency and Engineering in July 2015, joined ALE as a Junior Project Engineer and and operating quality best practice. The branch,
“I am really proud of the achievement. This is the result of
quality. More and more our clients want to see traceability is now based in Australia. Pleased with her win, she commented: which is the hub for the company’s South
commitment from the whole ALE team in Australia as the
and evidence of the training our teams undertake, and “The award came as a surprise but it was really nice to be recognised American region, was issued with the ISO: 9001
client’s recognised the team’s reduction in Total Recordable
SSOTs deliver this.” for the work I put in during my final year studies and a lovely way to :2008 by certification body Lloyd’s Register LRQA.
Incident Frequency Rate
end a great four years at NTU.”
“Over the last year we have seen the number of ‘black belts’, Diego Garat, HSQE Manager in Argentina, said: (TRIFR) of 53%, which
our expert trainers at the highest belt level, increasing This was the third year that this award has been made by John Pike “We have focused on setting high quality standards as per the is an outstanding effort.
in size. This is a fantastic achievement and shows the OBE, Visiting Professor in Civil Engineering at Nottingham Trent ISO: 9001:2008, working hard to deliver a quality service that meets What’s more impressive
dedication and passion our teams put into their work. University as part of the university’s annual Civil Engineering not only ALE’s but the international standards our clients expect. is that the project has
Building on this success, during 2016 we are looking to Students Awards. The certification proves our compliance with these internationally maintained a TRIFR of 0
introduce new SSOTs that will cover additional equipment recognised quality standards and regulations, and I’m very proud for the whole
and sectors, including marine.” of everyone’s efforts and what the team has achieved.” project to date.”

Darren Adams –
Director, UK. Q: When did you join?
A: I joined ALE on 1st December 2015.
Previously, I’ve held senior roles for large
organisations both in the UK and North
America with over 25 years of experience in
the heavylifting business. I was also on the
Board of ALE’s joint venture in Canada.
Q: Describe your role and
what it involves?
A: A
 s the UK Director, my role involves the general
running of the UK business for ALE. This covers
14.
our branches in Hixon, Middlesbrough and
Norway. I’m completely responsible for
HSQE and accountable for Profit and Loss
(P&L) in the UK.
Q: What is a typical day like?
A: M
 y typical day involves communication
with all departments, ranging from HSQE
and commercial, through to engineering
and operations. I continually review the
improvement process to ensure the business is
where we want it to be.
Q: What is the focus within the UK? Q: What do you enjoy most about working for ALE?
A: I really like working within a family organisation that owns
A: The focus with the UK business is to remain market leaders and
the complete range of equipment, supported by a strong
continue to push the boundaries with new innovative ways of
engineering unit and a world-renowned Research and
thinking for the benefits of our clients and ourselves.
Development (R&D) department. We can concentrate our
Q: What does the future currently look like for the UK? local experience with a quality service to our clients and work
together to utilise our worldwide network of expertise.
A: In light of the current economic climate, I believe that the next
24 months will be challenging. We will continue to focus on
quality, working safe, being sales driven and cost wise to uphold
and grow our reputation as market leaders and innovators.
WWW.ALE-HEAVYLIFT.COM 15.
 WORLDWIDE HEAVY TRANSPORTATION AND LIFTING
Case studies – Europe
JACK-UP OF FOUR CONTAINER CRANES, BELGIUM
OVERVIEW: ALE has successfully heightened and changed the
track centre distance of four container cranes as part of an upgrade
the client was carrying out of the cranes. The upgrade involved
jacking-up the cranes by 4m using the Mega Jack 800, skidding the
landside bogies to change the track centre distance from 30.54m
to 30m and transporting the cranes to and from the jacking location
using winches to pull it along the existing rail tracks.
SERVICES REQUIRED: The cranes were relocated from the
Port of Zeebrugge to the Port of Antwerp and needed to be
upgraded in preparation for when higher vessels arrived at the Port
of Antwerp. The first phase of the upgrade works involved the
jacking of the cranes using the Mega Jack 800. As the maximum
allowable ground bearing pressure on site was 6 t/m2, ALE placed
three layers of load spreading mats underneath the Mega Jack
800 jacking system to reduce the ground load to a minimum.
Between the Mega Jack 800 and the beams of the container
crane, a 10.5m high support construction was used consisting of
ALE gantry components. The towers of construction were slightly
skewed to allow the loads to be introduced closest to the strong
points in the crane. By assembling the Mega Jack 800 in this way,
large top beams could be eliminated.
First, the Mega Jack 800 received 25% of the crane’s weight.
Afterwards, the client removed bolts, connecting the sillbeam/
boogies with the upper part of the crane. Once all of the bolts
were removed, the whole weight of the crane was transferred to
the Mega Jack 800 and the jacking could start.
The crane was jacked-up by 550mm at a time until it reached a
height of 4.5m. As the crane was lifted, ALE needed to stabilise the
bogies. The landside bogies were stabilised with ALE’s skidding
system, installed to move the landside bogies inwards. The
waterside bogie was stabilised by ALE using a diagonal bracing.
A hydraulic jack was used on this bracing so that the bogie could
be precisely positioned underneath the crane as the crane was set
down on the heightened lower structure.
LOAD-OUT OF A 22,400T JACKET IN
CÁDIZ, SPAIN
OVERVIEW: ALE has performed the load-out of a jacket, weighing
22,400t, for the Mariner Project. The barge S44 on which was
loaded the jacket measured 190m long and 50m wide.
SERVICES REQUIRED: Prior to the load-out, the grounding of
the barge took place. This required the installation of an external
ballast system, consisting of 12 hydraulic pumps 10PS, seven
electric pumps 4PS and two hydraulic ballast pumps for cooling
the internal pumping system of the barge. This system was
operated and monitored centrally and controlled within the internal
system of the barge, allowing the stranded manoeuvre to be
executed in a completely controlled and safe way.
For the pulling of the jacket, ALE used a system consisting of four
pulling units in sets of two units of 900t and two units of 500t
capacity. The separation distance between the sets was 34m.
The pulling distance was 197m.
The ballast system was comprised of submersible pumps that
were installed over the side of the barge with vertical tubes to
remove or add ballast water without interfering with the pulling
manoeuvre.
16. CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE CASE STUDIES FROM THIS REGION
The landside bogies and sill beam had to be moved 54cm to the
inside of the crane. For this, ALE used an SS150 skidding system.
On top of the skidbeams, a beam with integrated jacks was used.
With these jacks, the bogies could be lifted out of its rail tracks.
After moving the landside bogies, the client installed the leg
extensions. When completed, the crane was lowered again on
its bogies.
As the cranes were disconnected from the electrical power during
the upgrades, ALE used winches to relocate the cranes to and
from the jacking location. The set-up consisted of two winches on
both sides of the crane; two on one side for pulling, and the two
on the other side for braking and precise positioning of the cranes
above the jacking system. The Mega Jack 800 remained on the
same position for all four cranes.
All four cranes were upgraded in six weeks, with one crane
upgraded each week. It took one week for the mobilisation and
assembly of equipment and another week for the demobilisation
of equipment.
For the load-out, an external ballast system was installed
consisting in four hydraulic pumps of type 10PS, six electric pumps
of type 4PS and six ballast pumps, including cooling. The pumps
acted together with the internal system of the barge to offset the
cargo transferred to the barge during the operation.
The pulling was carried out in just six hours at a speed of 16m per
hour. The sheer size and weight of the jacket represented a new
challenge that ALE successfully overcame.
Case studies – Australasia
JACK-UP OF 37,000T WHEATSTONE PROJECT TOPSIDE, SOUTH KOREA
OVERVIEW: ALE used its Mega Jack of 750t capacity were placed on top of For the Chevron-operated Wheatstone
system to jack-up one of the world’s the 48 installed jacks of the Mega Jack Project, three towers were installed at
largest single integrated topsides in system. This was done to determine the each of the four jacking points, giving a
Okpo-Dong, South Korea. The 37,000t precise weight and location of the centre combined capacity of 60,000t.
topside was jacked to a height of 25m of gravity of the platform.
From the central control unit the jack-up
in just over seven hours.
The Mega Jack system, which is an ALE operator operated the system by means
SERVICES REQUIRED: The jack-up was innovation and development, is able to of the fully computerised control system,
required to install the load-out skid frame jack-up massive loads to unprecedented which included data logging, weather data
underneath the platform. The 8,420t frame heights, by simply stacking up jacking and optional dimensional surveys.
was loaded in from the barge, after which beams until the load is at the desired
The lift took seven hours to complete –
the topside was lowered on the frame. elevation. It can be used in various
configurations with each single tower
considerably less time than traditional
One day prior to jacking, a calibrated methods would have allowed.
having a capacity of 5,000t.
weighing was executed with 96 load cells
LOAD-IN AND TRANSPORTATION OF
THREE MODULES FOR THE ICHTHYS
ONSHORE LNG PROJECT, AUSTRALIA
OVERVIEW: ALE has loaded-in and transported three
modules to their final position for the Ichthys Onshore LNG
Project in Darwin, Australia.
SERVICES REQUIRED: The three modules compromised
of one stair tower, one platform and one sphere, which
weighed 600t.
ALE received the modules and transported them to site
using 32 axle lines of SPMT in a 16 row, 4-file V-shape
configuration. Usually, trailers are configured in parallel,
and this is the first time ALE have utilised the trailers
in this V-shape formation in Australia.
The modules were then installed in their final positions.
The moves were conducted over two days.
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 WORLDWIDE HEAVY TRANSPORTATION AND LIFTING
Case studies –
Case studies – Americas and Canada Africa, Caspian, Middle East

FLOATOVER OF THE PB TOPSIDE, MEXICO TRANSPORTATION, LOAD-OUT AND FLOAT-OFF OF A LIFTBOAT, QATAR
OVERVIEW: ALE were contracted to engineer, design and provide ballast calculations to perform the floatover of the PB topside OVERVIEW: ALE has successfully completed the land
in the Gulf of Mexico. transportation, load-out and float-off of a liftboat, Al Safliya,
at the client’s yard in Raslaffan, Qatar.
SERVICES REQUIRED: The PB topside weighed 8,882t.
SERVICES REQUIRED: In order to transport the liftboat, ALE
During the floatover, ALE used their specialist personnel, equipment and project management skills.
utilised 264 axle lines of SPMTs in a configuration of 12 x 2 file
To perform the floatover, ALE utilised a rapid ballasting system of 21,000 Cu.M/Hr capacity, comprising of six 24PS ballast pumps, 22 axles and positioned these underneath the liftboat. The trailers
25 x 10PS de-ballast and six 325HP HPUs. The ballast pipework was installed on the client’s barge for the PB topside. moved along the route in a rotated angle at 90 degrees and were
positioned ready for the load-out operation.
ALE also carried out the load-out of the PB topside using strand jacks and an external ballast system. ALE also provided the ballasting
for the jacket load-out and weighing services for the project. Because of the space limitations onsite, a side load-out was
performed onto a Load-out/Recovery (LOR) barge. The load-out
operation was fully controlled by using a self-ballasting system
on-board the LOR barge. The load-out operation took approximately
four hours to complete.
As the liftboat had a high vertical centre of gravity with a full leg
installed condition, ALE had to perform the float-off with additional
buoyant supports and a spacer barge placed onto the LOR barge, as
per the engineering plans. Additionally, ALE were required to lower
the liftboat leg 1m to get additional GM of 1.7m.
The float-off operation took less than 10 hours of to the complete,
including the ballasting and preparation operation.

TRANSPORTATION OF TWO MODULES, VENEZUELA

OVERVIEW: ALE has transported two modules, weighing 127.5t
and 220t, from the Port of Guanta to El Chaure. These modules are
part of the Puerto La Cruz Refinery’s Deep Conversion Project.
SERVICES REQUIRED: The modules were transported to El
Chaure, approximately 3km away, for the Puerto La Cruz Refinery’s
Deep Conversion Project. Each module was transported separately
on 12 axle lines of SPMT.
TURNKEY OPERATION FOR A SOLAR FARM SITE IN THE NORTHERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA
OVERVIEW: ALE has successfully carried out the handling
and transportation of various solar pieces from the Port of
Luderitz, Namibia and Port Elizabeth, in the Eastern Cape to the
Thermoelectric Solar Plant in Bokpoort. The plant was based in the
remaining extent of the Bokpoort 390 farm, situated in the Kheis
local municipality of the Northern Cape province.
SERVICES REQUIRED: The solar pieces included an oil
interchanger, steam turbine, steam generator system, transformer,
condenser, preheater, ullage tanks, Horizontal Flash Tank (HFT)
vessel, workshop tanks, blow out protector and HFT heaters. ALE
received the various solar pieces, weighing between 30t to 230t,
under hook in the Port of Luderitz and Port Elizabeth.
ALE offloaded the vessel as quickly as possible and within the
given deadline to avoid any demurrage costs. ALE provided staging
systems, for the offloading and loading in the Port of Luderitz.
ALE then used 71 axle lines of conventional multi-axle trailers for
shuttling to and from the ship and laydown area.
To transport the accumulators to site, ALE used various multi-axle
transport combinations and returned to the laydown area to reload
additional solar pieces and transport back to site.
Once at the solar farm site, ALE utilised various trailer combinations,
including conventional and low bed trailers, to install the
components using the LG 1750 crane, the 500t strand jack gantry
installation skidding system as well as the 4 post lifting system.

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