Heavy lift equipment

Industry-defining technology

Equipped with unique single-lift, motion-compensated technology, advanced dynamic positioning and a specialised cargo barge transfer system, Pioneering Spirit offers an end-to-end solution for platform removals and installations. 

Purpose-built for safe, efficient, and sustainable platform removal, Pioneering Spirit  can lift entire topsides up to 60,000 tonnes and jackets up to 20,000 tonnes in a single operation. Complementing the lift systems are specialised 5000-tonne and 600-tonne cranes for lighter loads.

Topsides lift system

Pioneering Spirit’s Topsides Lift System (TLS) is an engineering first, designed to safely lift entire platform topsides – up to 60,000 tonnes – within seconds. The system, positioned across the vessel’s split bow, features 16 beams that can operate individually or in pairs (forklifts) with platform-specific horseshoe or yoke attachments (for removals).

For topsides removals, horseshoes – securely fastened to pre-installed bearing brackets – support the topsides, while support yokes are placed at designated strong points on the underside of the topsides. Gradual pre-tensioning transfers weight from the topsides to the vessel, followed by a rapid hydraulic (“fast”) lift with a 4-metre stroke. This process ensures safe clearance and prevents re-impact during topside removal. 

The TLS’ flexibility minimises the need for platform structural modifications by using existing strong points on the topsides. An active motion compensation system eliminates all vessel movements relative to the platform, allowing safe, precise lifting and lowering even in the most hostile offshore conditions.

Motion compensation system

At the heart of Pioneering Spirit’s Topsides Lift System (TLS) is its motion compensation system, enabling safe, high-precision lifts even in challenging seas. Essential for operations in harsh environments like the North Sea, this system eliminates relative motions between the lifting levers and the platform, mitigating impact forces on the topsides. 

This motion compensation is made possible by three key drives. X-drive: to compensate for longitudinal vessel motions. Y-drive: to compensate for vessel lateral movements.” Z-drive: Provides vertical lift and lowering, with active and passive heave compensation for stability. 

While the vessel itself moves due to wave action, all motions of the clamps or yokes relative to the platform are eliminated by engaging the active motion compensation system. With extensive vertical and horizontal compensation capacity, the system ensures stability and minimises dynamic forces during lifting, safeguarding topsides, jackets and Gravity Based Structures (GBS) from potential damage even in hostile environments.

Jacket lift system

Pioneering Spirit’s Jacket Lift System (JLS) comprises an integrated hang-off frame and upend system, which raises and tilts two 170-metre lifting beams. The upend systems are each equipped with two 50-metre skid tracks with push-pull devices. Hydraulic cylinders drive these devices along the tracks, moving the beams upwards, while transom-mounted hang-off frame assemblies serve as hinges around which the beams rotate. 

For jacket removals, after the piles have been cut, hoisting blocks are lowered from the beams and connected to trunnion hooks – via grommets – on the top of the jacket. The jacket is then pulled out of the water by the main hoist system, aligned with the beams, reclined, and skidded further inboard. For jacket installations, the operation is reversed. 

There is no need to seafasten the jacket to the beams during transit due to the vessel’s high level of stability. Accurate weight monitoring gauges ensure that the jacket load is evenly distributed. 

Transfer of jackets and topsides

For topsides – and some jackets – deliveries to disposal yards, Allseas uses the purpose-built 200-metre-long, 57-metre-wide cargo barge Iron Lady, which fits precisely within Pioneering Spirit's bow slot. Structures are loaded directly onto Iron Lady in sheltered waters for transfer to shore. Its flat deck and strong ballast system allow for efficient skidding operations and the handling of extreme loads. 

Braveheart, arriving late 2025, will offer enhanced features, including an electric ballast system, shore power connection, and improved environmental capabilities, supporting efficient, sustainable operations 

Special purpose cranes

For greater workability and versatility, Pioneering Spirit  is equipped with two Special Purpose Cranes (SPCs) handling a variety of loads, including lighter topsides and jackets, conductors, piles, and flares.

Located portside aft, the 5000-tonne crane features a 128-metre boom and is capable of both inboard and outboard lifts with a range of 24 – 97 metres. Located starboard aft, the 600-tonne crane supports lifting of jacket structures, piles, and modules, with a 3-tonne capacity for man-riding.