Mammoet’s Mega Jack 5200 system recently helped expedite repairs on the Noble Regina Allen, a drilling rig operated by Noble Corporation, enabling Damen Shiprepair to drastically reduce downtime. For commercial vessels, especially those in the oil and gas sector, minimizing repair time is essential as even a single day off the water can lead to substantial costs.
In this case, Mammoet initially considered using its PTC large ring crane, but ultimately opted for a more adaptable approach: jacking up the 22,000-ton rig with the Mega Jack 5200. This choice allowed the rig to be serviced with minimal delay, showcasing Mammoet’s agility in critical repair projects.
Mammoet presented three potential repair methodologies to Damen Shiprepair and Noble Corporation at Noble’s Houston office. The options ranged from deploying a large PTC crane to using a smaller crawler crane on deck. However, given the scope and urgency, the Mega Jack 5200 was selected as the optimal solution. Known for handling high-weight projects, including a 42,000-ton topside, the Mega Jack 5200 offered rapid mobilization and assembly – ideal for the project’s strict timeline.
Ruud Jansen, Mammoet’s Commercial Manager, noted, “The Mega Jack allowed us to execute the repair from below, providing a stable and efficient alternative to crane-based solutions.”
The compressed schedule presented unique challenges. The Mega Jack system, typically assembled in 15 days, needed to be operational in half that time to fit within the short drydock availability. “To meet this demand, we scaled up and accelerated the schedule, with expert teams working around the clock,” explained René van Lint, Mammoet Project Manager.
After securing the rig in the drydock, six Mega Jack towers were deployed, each capable of lifting 5,200 tons, allowing the vessel to be raised to a 35-meter height. Once elevated, the damaged jacking leg, which measured 70 meters, was cut into two segments. Using Self-Propelled Modular Transporters (SPMTs), the Mammoet team maneuvered each section into place, enabling Damen’s welders to complete the repair efficiently.
