The report states that the new Imenco shackle proved to be very useful, and more practical and easier to operate than the shackles of other manufacturers. Both the deck crew and the ROV pilots are very pleased with the shackle.
The new shackle came about as a result of StatoilHydro’s requirement that the shackle be equipped with a double locking of pin. Engineering Manager, Arne M. Kinn has been in charge of development and design of the new shackle.
– The model delivered, and which Deep Ocean has tested out, is designed to lift up to 25 tons. However, we have also designed shackles that can lift cargoes weighing 12.5 and 50 tons. We received a very positive feedback after the shackle was tested out, Business Unit Manager Subsea, Thor H. Nordahl says to Imenco Today.
In the test report personnel on deck point out that it is simple to both open and lock the shackle by means of hand power.
– For people on deck the best feature of the shackle is that it can be opened and closed by using a boathook. Thereby one does not have to climb onto the equipment to disconnect it from the lifting wire. This enhances efficiency, and makes the operation safer for personnel on deck.
ROV operators emphasize that the locking device may be operated from three different sides. The locking arm also has a long deflection from unlocked to locked position. Both positions are clearly marked by L and U respectively. The ROV pilots therefore do not have to zoom in on the shackle to see if it is secured or unsecured.
Moreover, ROV operators pointed out that it was simple to operate the shackle locking arm when it was attached to a fixed structure, while it was more difficult when the shackle was hanging in a slack wire.
Further information on the new shackle and the test results are available from Imenco.