An Investigation of Lifting Cranes for Loading and Offloading at Offshore Terminals

This study focuses on the investigation of lifting cranes used for loading and unloading operations at offshore terminals. The primary objectives encompass scrutinizing the specific types of lifting cranes employed in offshore terminals, conducting an in-depth analysis of stress distributions during lifting and loadout procedures, reviewing essential lifting criteria, assessing crane design standards, and evaluating provisions for dynamic loads within open water environments. To achieve these goals, a structural analysis computer system (SACS) software was employed as a design tool to develop the deck and jacket drawings. Furthermore, this software facilitated the execution of lifting and loadout analyses. The lifting analysis was configured to include scenarios involving one spreader bar, two spreader bars, and a spreader frame, all designed for the utilization of the ringing system. The paper delves into examining four rigging configurations featuring three distinct angles 40°, 60°, and 80°for lifting a deck structure. In the context of loadout analysis, the GAP element report was utilized to ascertain the number of iterations, and load cases for each structural member, and verify the deflected shape of the jacket. The project's comprehensive methodology involves an exploration of lifting cranes for offshore terminal operations, the application of SACS software for designing and analyzing lifting and loadout procedures, and a comprehensive study of crane design standards and their adaptations to account for dynamic loads within the challenging open water environment.