Sarens has completed a record-breaking decommissioning lift in Norway.

Sarens has successfully completed a landmark decommissioning project at the Wergeland Base in Gulen, Norway, which involved lifting, transporting, and re-immersing four massive footings. This project demonstrated not only Sarens' engineering expertise but also its ability to perform record-breaking lifts under challenging conditions.

Sarens completes landmark decommissioning project at Wergeland Base

A Record-Breaking Achievement

The project’s highlight was the use of Sarens' LR12500-1.0 crawler crane to lift each footing, which weighed an extraordinary 1850 tonnes. Lifting such a weight with a single crawler crane is exceptionally rare in Europe and may be a record-breaking achievement. While SGC cranes can handle such lifts with ease, accomplishing this with a crawler crane emphasizes Sarens' capability to manage some of the world's heaviest loads.

Tailored Solutions and Precision Execution

Commissioned by Wergeland, the project involved:

• Lifting the 25m-high, 27m-wide footings out of the water.

• Transporting them to a quay using Self-Propelled Modular Transporters (SPMTs).

• Re-immersing the footings.

Sarens completes landmark decommissioning project at Wergeland Base

Sarens was chosen for its cost-effective and highly specialized solution. By extending the contract for the LR12500-1.0 crane, which was already deployed at the site, Sarens ensured seamless execution while minimizing costs for the client.

Technical Details

The operation required:

• The LR12500-1.0 crane configured with an 80m main boom, a 35m superlift radius, and 1,240 tonnes of superlift weight.

• SPMTs with multiple axle lines for precise transport.

• A 2000-tonne shackle, a standard but exceptionally large component, designed to meet the project's unique demands.

Challenges and Triumphs

The execution of this project presented several challenges. The footings, floating at sea, required rigging during record-breaking rainfall, which tested the team's resolve. Despite these obstacles, Sarens' experienced team, led by Project Manager Willem Ditmer and Project Engineer Wim de Keersmaecker, completed the operation on schedule and without compromising safety.

Sustainability in Action

As a decommissioning initiative, the project reflects Sarens' commitment to sustainability. The footings were scrapped and recycled, supporting greener practices while contributing to the local economy.

A Milestone for the Team

The capabilities of Wergeland Base were further validated by this milestone achievement, showcasing it as an ideal site for high-complexity operations. The successful completion of this complex and record-breaking lift serves as a testament to Sarens' ingenuity and dedication. It marks a significant milestone for the operators and reinforces Sarens' position as a leader in heavy lifting and transport solutions.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the official Sarens news release: Sarens Completes Record-Breaking Decommissioning Lift in Norway.