Patent Approval for Four-Track Tensioner

Maritime Developments, a leading provider of back-deck equipment to the oil and gas industry, has secured a patent for its 4-track tensioner.

The company has already delivered two of the new tensioners to clients and is on the brink of completing a third one for its rental division.

The TTS-4/140 series tensioner is a 50-tonne 4-track caterpillar system for the handling of subsea products such as umbilicals, risers and flowlines.

The caterpillar tracks are fitted with V-shaped pads and operate by gripping the product between the opposing track carriages with failsafe hydraulic cylinders.

Thanks to its innovative design, the 4-track tensioner can be used vertically, horizontally or on a ramp. It adds to Maritime Developments’ existing offering of 2-track tensioners used for side or top loading, allowing the company to deliver tensioners with either electric or hydraulic drives.

Mike Gaskin, commercial director at Maritime Developments, said: “We’re delighted to have secured the patent. The development of our 4-track tensioner highlights once again the flair, vision and expertise within our business.”

The company has also launched its innovative portable vertical lay system (VLS). The flexible design allows for road transport and assembly at the quayside; it can also be used with a vessel of opportunity and requires only two lifts on to the vessel – one for the VLS and one for the tensioner.

The business recently completed a series of projects, including delivery of reel drive systems, tensioners, winches and control units for international contractors.

In addition to securing key projects in the North Sea for international contractors, Maritime Developments has expanded in the past year into markets such as the Gulf of Mexico, Asia/Australia and West Africa.

As well as tensioners, Maritime Developments designs and manufactures reel drive systems, winches, compensators, overboarding chutes, level winders, manifold systems and hydraulic power units (HPUs), control systems and electrical power units, reel under rollers, small turntables, spoolers, radius controllers, small horizontal lay systems, vertical lay systems. It also offers product support and service, maintenance and repair, system adaptation and upgrades.