
With other models where the structure is working harder, or where there are susceptible connection details, signs of structural fatigue can appear much earlier. Some are extremely robust and rarely experience any failures, even with high frequency of use, due to their low stress range. The occurrence of fatigue varies widely between different makes of cranes. Fatigue analysis is a tool that supports them in this work. To comply with the UK continental shelf’s Key Performance 4 (KP4) requirements on managing aging offshore installations, operators must demonstrate they are monitoring their assets effectively. The industry now places more importance on understanding the condition of offshore cranes and how they are deteriorating, rather than changing the components on a fixed-term basis. This typically involved removing and lowering the boom, an operation which would take up a great deal of deck space and hamper or even halt work altogether on the platform over the two- to three-week maintenance period.

In the past, it was common practice to change out a crane’s structural components on a five-year cycle to ensure their integrity.

It may also prove to be critical as many of these cranes and their components are yet to enter the toughest stage of their life cycle.ĭuring the decommissioning of platforms, the demands placed on offshore cranes can be greatest at the very end of their working lives. Understanding structural fatigue in offshore cranes and their overall condition is necessary to safeguard the integrity of deck operations and to comply with safety requirements. Regular inspections needed to combat fatigue, damage, and corrosionĪn offshore lattice boom pedestal crane.
