Sparrows Group has partnered with engineering and manufacturing firm INNOVO to provide the offshore industry with what it claims to be the first fully electric-drive flexible cable and pipe lay system for rental.
The wider collaboration between the firms will see them deliver full back-deck equipment packages for sale and rental to suit offshore wind, oil and gas markets around the world.
Under the deal, INNOVO’s electric drive 700 Te multi-reel drive system will be rented alongside Sparrows Group’s wide range of electric drive tensioners as a fully packaged and managed lay system.
Stewart Mitchell, Chief Executive, Sparrows Group, said: “Combining an electric tensioner with an electric reel drive means we can provide a system that delivers greater control and therefore better precision and accuracy than traditional hydraulic drive appliances, which can dramatically reduce the risk of damage to the product.
“Both pieces of equipment are fitted with the same control systems, allowing easy system synchronisation which also improves the control of lay operations.
“Compact in size considering its high capacity, INNOVO’s real drive is one of the most robust systems on the rental market which can be used with multiple reels if required. Combined with our 50 Te tensioner that works in both horizontal and vertical configurations, the system offers customers a high degree of versatility.
“Over the past 12 months, we have seen a rise in demand for packaged rental solutions as companies try to maximise efficiencies and reduce cap-ex costs. The agreement with INNOVO will see us offer engineering services for the mobilisation, installation and commissioning of any lay system as well as new build design and supply.”
Stefano Malagodi, Managing Director, INNOVO, said: “The full lay system package is easily delivered anywhere in the world and with our 700 Te reel drive system on its way to Aberdeen just now it will soon be available for immediate mobilisation in the North Sea.
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