MDL Delivers First LiveWire Spread

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06 August 2018

Maritime Developments (MDL) has completed the first LiveWire system – an innovative solution for efficient wire rope inspection services and change-outs.

Developed in a joint partnership between MDL and global mooring and subsea specialist Delmar Systems, LiveWire is designed to significantly cut costs associated with large wire rope maintenance and operations, particularly by minimising disruption to rig or vessel schedules.

The LiveWire system, which includes a multi-reel handling system, back tension and inspection units and a compensator unit, has been commissioned and FATd (Factory Acceptance Test) in MDL’s manufacturing and testing facility in Peterhead, Scotland.

The system is fully automated using remote controls developed in-house by MDL, and is entirely powered by an independent generator, preventing the need for connection to any vessel or quayside services.

Using LiveWire, Delmar Systems and MDL can carry out wire rope inspection services from a quayside to support construction vessels, or the system can be mobilised onto any PSV to support offshore rigs. The compact spread allows for a spare wire rope to be carried on-board the PSV when conducting offshore rig crane wire change-outs.

Mark Williamson, President of MDL Americas, said: "I am very excited to see LiveWire come to life and look forward to introducing it to the Gulf of Mexico.

"It has been a project of mine since July 2016  when MDL first started exploring the topic of crane wire inspection and handling. Working alongside Delmar, we were able to re-define how clients approach crane wire maintenance and operations. This out-of-the-box thinking is consistent in our client-focused approach to subsea services as a whole.

"The market has never had an elegant and efficient solution before, never mind one which can service both onshore and offshore applications. I expect LiveWire to have a significant impact on the crane wire inspection services - here in the GoM, and globally.”

The inaugural LiveWire spread has been dismantled and is on the way to its new base in Delmar’s Port
Fourchon, Louisiana shore base facility, where it will be mobilised for its first mission.