The maintenance of these vessels is essential to ensuring the continuity and safety of offshore personnel transfer operations in Nigeria. Bourbon's Surfer fleet has a capacity ranging from 20 to 90 personnel and a cruising speed of between 20 and 40 knots.
Sarens selected one Liebherr LTM 1300-6.2 mobile crane, with a maximum lifting capacity of 300 tons, and a LTM 1400-7.1 unit, with a maximum load capacity of 400 tons, to operate in tandem lift.
The operation involved lifting units of approximately 70 tons at a hook height of 5 meters. All lifts were executed using controlled crawl crane travel at working radium of up to 16 metres.
Sarens, world leader in heavy lifting, engineered transport and crane rental services, along with its Nigerian division Sarens Buildwell, has successfully completed a tandem heavy lifting project for maintenance works at the Port Harcourt facilities of its client Bourbon Interoil Nig Ltd (BINL). This facility is one of the leading logistics hubs in the energy sector in West Africa, playing a key role in supporting offshore oil and gas operations in Nigeria. Marine logistics services are coordinated from these port bases, including personnel transport, platform supply, fleet maintenance, and subsea operations support.
The primary scope for Sarens, carried out as part of the facility's maintenance programme, was the controlled lifting of Surfer-type units. These machines, essential to offshore operations, are fast Crew Transfer Vessels used for the efficient transfer of crew to offshore platforms.
To execute this work under the highest conditions of stability and safety, the Sarens Buildwell engineering team conducted a detailed site assessment, evaluating factors such as portuary ground conditions, available operating space, and access routes to the work areas. Based on the findings, the team selected one Liebherr LTM 1300-6.2 mobile crane, with a maximum lifting capacity of 300 tons, and a LTM 1400-7.1 unit, with a maximum load capacity of 400 tons. Both units were chosen for their suitability for high-precision operations and their versatility in demanding environments.
Equipment mobilisation was carried out by road transport, requiring a total of nine trucks for the haulage of cranes, counterweights, and accessories, with an approximate transit time of half a day. Assembly of each crane was completed in just three hours.
Once the cranes were rigged and ready, the operation involved lifting units of approximately 70 tons at a hook height of 5 meters. All lifts were executed in accordance with detailed engineered lift and rigging plans, using mobile cranes operating from fixed positions with outriggers deployed, at a working radius of up to 16 meters. Each lift was completed within a one-day timeframe and was carried out with the utmost precision, stability, and safety. The operational team comprised specialist crane personnel, a lift supervisor, and HSE officers. Additionally, the manufacturer was actively involved throughout the project, providing technical documentation for out-of-gauge (ODC) packages and maintaining an on-site presence.
The maintenance of these vessels is essential to ensure the continuity and safety of Bourbon's offshore personnel transfer operations in Nigeria. Thanks to the Surfer maintenance works carried out by Sarens Buildwell, its client Bourbon will benefit from a fleet with reduced unplanned downtime and full compliance with the safety standards required to ensure access to the region's offshore platforms. Bourbon's Surfer fleet has a capacity ranging from 20 to 90 personnel and a cruising speed of between 20 and 40 knots.
Emmanuel Edafiaga, Transport Manager at Sarens, stated: "Lifting vessels of these dimensions and weight within an active port environment demands meticulous planning and a highly skilled team. We are proud to have contributed to keeping BINL's fleet operational to the highest standards of safety and efficiency. Our work at Bourbon's Port Harcourt facilities truly reflects our ability to adapt to each client's specific requirements, regardless of the task or sector."
For its operations in Nigeria, where it established its presence in 2011, Sarens has formed a strategic partnership with Buildwell, a Nigerian transport, logistics, and heavy equipment services company with operations dating back to 1977. Together, they have established the Sarens Buildwell Joint Venture, through which they deliver projects across the oil and gas sector as well as other industries, including construction.
About Sarens
Sarens is the global leader and reference in crane rental, heavy lift and engineered transportation services. With state-of-the-art equipment, value engineering, one of the world's largest inventories of cranes, transporters and special rigging equipment, Sarens offers creative and intelligent solutions to today's heavy lifting and engineering transport challenges.
With more than 100 entities in 65 countries operating without borders, Sarens is an ideal partner for small to large-scale projects. Sarens currently employs 6,500 highly qualified professionals who are ready to serve the needs of any client worldwide and in all market sectors. https://www.sarens.com/