The variable-speed-driven rack and pinion systems for offshore jack-ups developed jointly by GustoMSC and Siemens Netherlands are used to lift drilling vessels and platforms for the offshore industry, including wind, above sea level at their work location, making them impervious to waves.

The frequency-controlled electrical drives can position the legs of the drilling vessel or platform on the sea bed faster and more accurately than conventional systems, according to Siemens.

The company is responsible for engineering, cabinet building and commissioning. This is possible thanks to a lighter construction and better weight distribution, resulting in less wear and tear. This also renders faster commissioning, easier operation and service with remote access and condition monitoring possible.

Together with less required installed power, this not only makes the system less expensive, but also increases efficiency by around 10%, Siemens says. The Siemens scope of supply for jacking solutions is the electrical systems, including Sinamics S120 drives, Simantic S7 control, PCS7 and motors.

GustoMSC and Siemens say they foresee good opportunities for using the electrically powered jacking system on wind turbine installation vessels for installing offshore wind farms.