Understanding Offshore Lifting Operations and Engineering Analysis

18/12/21 8:41 Understanding Offshore Lifting Operations And Engineering Analysis
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Understanding Offshore Lifting Operations

And Engineering Analysis
By Vignesh Balasubramaniyan | In: Offshore | Last Updated on November 30, 2021
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Offshore lifting is a common operation in offshore construction or installation projects at sea. In this
article, we will discuss offshore lifting operations and associated engineering analysis, safety
precautionary measures, contingency plans, and challenges involved in lifting.
When is offshore lifting required?

During offshore installation, i.e., Installing any process module, structure at the operation site
When shore crane cannot perform the lifting. Sometimes, when a vessel is berthed port side, but it’s
required to lift up or install equipment in starboard side, which cannot be reached by the shore
crane
Shore crane with limited lifting capacity: Generally shore crane lifting capacity is only up to 200
tonnes. Equipment exceeding the capacity of the shore crane is usually lifted using floating crane
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Examples of offshore lifting

Offshore module lifting: Offshore vessels like FPSO, FLNGs have various process modules like
chemical injection package, sulphate removal system, water injection system, etc.
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Challenges involved in offshore lifting

Dynamic nature of ocean environment
Lifting gears strength
We will address these challenges and will explain in detail, how to tackle these problems.
For example, a process module to be installed on FPSO. Let’s assume the weight of the module is about
1000 Tonnes.
Let’s consider the weight of the module is about 1000 Tonnes. The most basic requirement is the lifting
crane supposed to be of a capacity higher than 1000 tonnes (As per norms, crane safe working load to
be at least 1.25 times the weight of the equipment). Let us discuss how the load of the module is
transferred to the crane. Load of the equipment is transferred to the crane through the lifting pad eyes,
spreader beams, lifting wires, shackles etc. (In general, these are called as lifting gears). Hence all the
lifting gears involved in the load transfer must be able to withstand the load imposed during the lifting
operation. To analyse whether a lifting gear can withstand a given load, we must first estimate the load
imposed on the lifting gear.
In the above lifting arrangements, the 1000 tonne module is lifted using 4-pad eyes. Hence each pad eye
is subjected to a load of 250 tonnes. The sling wires transfer the load to the lifting beam. There are four
wires used, hence each wire is subjected to 250 tonnes (For time being we will ignore effects due to sling
angle). The sling wire transfers the load to the lifting beam. In this case, the lifting beam is subjected to
1000 tonnes (Note: the two pad eyes that transfer the load is subjected to 500 tonnes each).
SLING GEOMETRY
In the above load assessment, we assumed the sling angle to be 90 degrees. In reality, it is not 90
degree. The point of suspension of the equipment should always be in line with the centre of gravity of
the equipment to avoid tilting of the equipment.
HOW LOADING CHANGES WITH SLING ANGLE?

Loading changes drastically with the sling angle. Following tables depicts the comparison of loading at
90®, 60®, 30® .
90 degree 60 degree 30 degree
Each sling is subject to a load Applying resolution of forces Applying resolution of forces
of 500 tonnes concept, concept,
Load on one sling = Vertical Load on one sling = Vertical

load/sin(60). load/sin(60).
Vertical load =500 tonnes. Vertical load =500 tonnes.
Therefore load on one sling = Therefore load on one sling =

500/sin(60) =500/0.866 500/sin(30) =500/0.5
= 577.35 Tons = 1000 Tons
0% increase 15.47% increase 100% increase
= 577
From the above table, we can understand how loads can drastically increase with the reduction in sling
angles. Sling angle factors are critical in load assessment. Following Sling angle factors are given in
ANSI B30.9.
Figure 4: Sling angle factors
LIFTING BEAM
-In figure 3, the lifting arrangement was depicted without the use of lifting beam. Usage of lifting beam
helps to reduce the sling angle and thereby load on the sling.
-14%
From the above figure, it is evident how sling angle is increased using spreader beam (Ø>Q).
LIFTING BEAM ANALYSIS

Bending and Buckling strength of the beam has to be assessed and proven they are within the
requirement.
BENDING STRENGTH
Using Euler beam equation, we can find Bending stress s = M * I/y
Where s is Bending stress, M is the Maximum bending moment, while “I” is the second moment of area
and y is the distance from the neutral axis.
In this case, the maximum bending moment can be evaluated as F1H* d.
The second moment of area is πr4/4 (Since the cross section of the spreader beam is circular.
As per class, s evaluated should not be greater than 0.6 * yield strength of the spreader beam
material.
Note that in the above evaluation, the weight of the beam is ignored.
BUCKLING STRENGTH
F1H and F2H are potential forces to buckle the beam. Buckling check can be done by evaluating the
Euler critical load. If the subjected load is greater than the Euler critical load then the beam will buckle.
Euler critical load P is given by : π2EI/(KL)2
Where E is the young’s modulus of the beam material, I is the Moment of Inertia , K is effective length
factor and L is the unsupported length.
Effective Length Factor

Below figure can be used to find out the effective length factor (K).
Figure 9: Effect length factor – K
In addition to the buckling check, compressive stress due to the forces F1H, F2H must be less than 0.6*
yield strength of the material.
PAD EYE STRESS ANALYSIS
FORCE ANALYIS
Pad eye is subject ted following forces:
1) Shear force
2) Axial force
3) Normal force
The tension T should be resolved in 3d to estimate the shear force ( the force that is parallel to the
plane), axial force ( the force that is in-line with the axis of pad eye ), normal force ( the force that is
normal to the plane).
SHEAR STRESS
Shear stress = shear force/shear area.
Shear stresses are to be less than 0.4 times the yield stress.
BEARING STRESS
Bearing stress is the contact pressure onto a body. It is given by Design load/bearing area.
Bearing stresses are to be less than 0.9 times the yield stress.
BENDING STRESS
As seen earlier, Using Euler being equation we can find Bending stress s = M * I/y
Where s is Bending stress, M is the Maximum bending moment, while “I” is the second moment of area
and y is the distance fro the neutral axis.
Bending stresses are to be less than 0.6 times the yield stress.
NOTE: Pad eye bore has to be compatible to the lifting shackle. For example, 20 Tonnes pad eye
bore diameter should be large enough for a 20 Tonne shackle pin.
EQUIVALENT STRESS
As we have seen earlier the loading on the pad eyes are multiaxial, hence there is a combination of shear
and bending. Vonmisses stress gives an equivalent stress that can be used to assess the strength in
multiaxial loading condition.
DYNAMIC EFFECTS
Offshore lifting is dynamic in nature due to the ocean waves, currents, wind forces etc. It is important to
include the dynamic effects into the calculation as these can significantly influence the results.
CRANE TIP MOTIONS

Relative motion between the crane tip (carrying the object to be lifted) and the waves should be
established. The time period of crane tip motion can be formulated as follows:
T = 2π x √((M +A33 + θ)/k)
where
m = mass of hoisting line per unit length [kg/m]
L = length of hoisting line [m]
M = mass of object in air [kg]
A33 = heave added mass of object [kg]
K = stiffness of hoisting system
θ = adjustment factor taking into account the effect of the mass of hoisting line and possible soft springs.
The Crane tip motion period is compared with the significant wave period and ensured both are not close
to causing resonance.
DYNAMIC AMPLIFICATION FACTOR

All the formulae we saw earlier in this article did not account for dynamic effects. They are good to use in
a static condition (still water condition). Lifting in dynamic conditions requires slight modification to the
formula. All the equation has to be multiplied by a factor called dynamic amplification factor.
Total force = Force (Static) X DAF.
Various classification societies have given recommended DAF for various scenarios which can be used in
the calculations. DAF can also be established from model testing.
BUMPER AND GUIDES

Bumper and guides are positioned in such a way to prevent the lifting object (for example module) to
strike against any other structure or object during the lifting operation.
LIFTING A SUBMERGED OBJECT

Load on the crane ( and lifting gears) lifting a submerged object can be evaluated by the following
equation:
F(static) = Mg – ρVg.
Where M is the mass of the object.
g is acceleration due to gravity, 9.81m2/s.
ρ is the density of water.
V is the displaced volume of the submerged object.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS DURING OFFSHORE LIFTING

Perform risk assessment prior to the lifting
Mooring analysis and ensure mooring lines are intact
Detailed lifting plan
The lifting zone completely cordoned off. Only authorised personnel are allowed to access the lifting
zone
Lifting should be headed by a lifting supervisor
Lifting team should include: Lifting supervisor, rigger, signalman, banks man, crane operator.
Lifting team should be properly briefed prior to lifting
Clash check should be done in the lifting route( or path) and ensure no obstruction during lifting
operation
Prior to lifting, inspect all the lifting gears and ensure they are all intact and fit for use
Ensure all the sea fastenings are removed from the equipment to be lifted and it is free to lift
In any case, no one should be under the suspended load
CONTINGENCY PLANS
High speed gust wind (Before lifting)

Counter check on the mooring lines.
Add additional mooring lines as precautionary measures.

Hold the lifting operation until the situation is normal.
High-speed gust wind (After lifting)

Keep all mooring lines tensioned.
Tugs to push or pull to against wind force;
Add additional mooring lines as precautionary measures.
Mooring Line Broken

Deploy tugs to control the vessel movement.
Add additional mooring lines to control the vessel movement
Floating Crane grounded

Constantly monitor the hook load and vessel floating status.
Taking sounding over a period of time to ensure the vessel in intact.
The article gives a brief summary of offshore lifting. In addition to the topics covered (Sling geometry,
Sling wire analysis, Lifting beam analysis, Pad eye analysis and Dynamic effects during lifting) in the
article, mooring analysis, motion analysis does play a critical role in offshore lifting analysis. These topics
are profound, hence will be dealt separately in a different article.
You may also like to read:
What is Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET)?
How Subsea Components Of ROV Sustain Tremendous Seawater Pressure?
Disclaimer: The authors’ views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of Marine
Insight. Data and charts, if used, in the article have been sourced from available information and have not
been authenticated by any statutory authority. The author and Marine Insight do not claim it to be
accurate nor accept any responsibility for the same. The views constitute only the opinions and do not
constitute any guidelines or recommendation on any course of action to be followed by the reader.
The article or images cannot be reproduced, copied, shared or used in any form without the
permission of the author and Marine Insight.
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About Vignesh Balasubramaniyan
Vignesh Balasubramaniyan is an engineer currently working in one of the major shipyards in

Singapore. His key areas of interest include naval architecture, offshore structures, marine engines,
marine and offshore systems, business management and economics. Apart from being a
passionate engineer, he's also an ardent fan of sports, dance and music. He also loves to write on
politics, economics, romance, friendship, and adventure.
Comments
Jaime A Sotelo says

SEPTEMBER 20, 2017 AT 2:36 AM
Thank you for all of the very useful material you have provided, Vignesh. I will cherish them.
Here are my e-mail addresses:
Private: jaime.sotelo007@gmail.com; jaime_s@optusnet.com.au;

jaime.sotelo007@yahoo.com
Work: jaime.sotelo@baesystems.com
I am on Facebook, you can send me an invitation, if you are also on Facebook. My Facebook
entry appears as: Jaime A Sotelo.
I am also in Skype, and my Skype ID is:
Jaime Antonio Sotelo
By the way, I am a professional Engineer, having graduated from the University of New South
Wales, with a Major in Naval Architecture.
Please tell me more about yourself.
Best regards,
Jaime A Sotelo
Mobile no.: +61 415 607 756
CHIMA NYOVELE SIMEON says

SEPTEMBER 4, 2019 AT 11:02 PM
This article must have played a significant role in the life of operators.
Iain Mac says

MAY 22, 2020 AT 1:26 PM
Hi Vignesh
Many thanks for the article, does the DAF factor only apply to the crane (which should be in
the duty charts?) or should the DAF calculation be taken throughout the whole lifting
configuration ie everything below the crane hook?
Many thanks
Iain
vibulsak sumritt says

MAY 30, 2020 AT 8:19 PM
what is limit wave height wind speed draft, pitching rolling angle , swell for lifting operation and
where it come from, and how to determine
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18/12/21 8:41 Understanding Offshore Lifting Operations And Engineering Analysis

Understanding Offshore Lifting Operations

Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Pinterest Buffer

When is offshore lifting required?

Suez Canal Declared Emergency With The Return Of

MP4 Video Editor Software

Examples of offshore lifting

MV X-PRESS PEARL fire

Airseas’ Automated Wind Propulsion System Sets Sail

What is Omnichannel Distribution in Logistics?

Challenges involved in offshore lifting

HOW LOADING CHANGES WITH SLING ANGLE?

90 degree 60 degree 30 degree

of 500 tonnes concept, concept,

Load on one sling = Vertical Load on one sling = Vertical

Vertical load =500 tonnes. Vertical load =500 tonnes.

Therefore load on one sling = Therefore load on one sling =

= 577.35 Tons = 1000 Tons

0% increase 15.47% increase 100% increase

Figure 4: Sling angle factors

LIFTING BEAM ANALYSIS

Using Euler beam equation, we can find Bending stress s = M * I/y

In this case, the maximum bending moment can be evaluated as F1H* d.

Effective Length Factor

Figure 9: Effect length factor – K

PAD EYE STRESS ANALYSIS

CRANE TIP MOTIONS

T = 2π x √((M +A33 + θ)/k)

m = mass of hoisting line per unit length [kg/m]

L = length of hoisting line [m]

M = mass of object in air [kg]

A33 = heave added mass of object [kg]

K = stiffness of hoisting system

DYNAMIC AMPLIFICATION FACTOR

Total force = Force (Static) X DAF.

BUMPER AND GUIDES

LIFTING A SUBMERGED OBJECT

Where M is the mass of the object.

g is acceleration due to gravity, 9.81m2/s.

ρ is the density of water.

V is the displaced volume of the submerged object.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS DURING OFFSHORE LIFTING

High speed gust wind (Before lifting)

Add additional mooring lines as precautionary measures.

High-speed gust wind (After lifting)

Mooring Line Broken

Floating Crane grounded

You may also like to read:

What is Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET)?

How Subsea Components Of ROV Sustain Tremendous Seawater Pressure?

How Subsea Components Of ROV Maersk’s New Oil Research &

About Vignesh Balasubramaniyan

Vignesh Balasubramaniyan is an engineer currently working in one of the major shipyards in

Jaime A Sotelo says

Private: jaime.sotelo007@gmail.com; jaime_s@optusnet.com.au;

I am also in Skype, and my Skype ID is:

Jaime Antonio Sotelo

Please tell me more about yourself.