ACE Winches launches new technology during period of Norwegian expansion

Following significant Norwegian market growth, ACE Winches, the global deck machinery specialist, will launch its latest technology - Reel Drive Systems (RDS) as it exhibits at ONS Stavanger this week. The RDS ranges from 150 Te to 500 Te and will deploy and recover subsea umbilicals, risers and flow lines (SURF), mooring wires and power cables for the global oil and gas sector.

The ACE Winches RDS is Programmable Logic Controlled (PLC) and can be automatically adjusted to accommodate multiple reel sizes up to a 12m diameter whilst eliminating the requirement for manual handling, optimising the conditions for safe operations.

Before the end of 2014, the firm will provide a 400 Te RDS for a client’s pre-lay mooring line installation in Nigeria.

Nishant Nadagouda, head of research and development at ACE Winches, said: ”In response to strong global demand for RDS, ACE Winches has invested heavily in its research and development division. Our latest RDS design has enhanced our product range and services to our international client base in the topside and subsea markets.”

The modular systems will be located at ACE Winches’ new Karmsund quayside facility, enabling clients to benefit from faster mobilisations and the ability to transport the RDS equipment in individual components to assemble onsite.

ACE Winches can mobilise, demobilise and conduct spooling and bollard pull test operations directly from the quayside.

The new 2,000 square metre facility sits centrally in Karmsund, located conveniently for vessel pass between Bergen and Stavanger.

Norway country manager, Rune Midtun commented: “The recent investment in both products and facilities demonstrates the company’s continued commitment to the Norwegian region.

“With our extensive track record as a deck machinery specialist, ACE Winches Norge AS is excellently placed to offer our clients total project solutions across a range of services.”

ACE Winches will be exhibiting at ONS Stavanger in the Scottish Pavilion in Hall J - Stand 916/3, between 25 - 28 August.