Cargotec has introduced a new range of electrically-driven offshore winches that offers proven safety and reliability, with improved operability and reduced environmental impact

Cargotec can now offer electrically-driven versions of its proven range of offshore MacGregor anchor handling/ towing winches (eAHT).

"This new series of electrically-driven winches inherits the best characteristics of our proven designs," says Francis Wong, Cargotec's Sales Director for offshore winch solutions. "This ensures safe operations, easy maintenance, and also combines improved operability with a low environmental impact, reduced power consumption and low installation costs."

He adds: "All our eAHTs are designed to meet the most stringent offshore standards, including those set by the Norwegian Maritime Directorate (NMD). Each winch is fully tested electrically and mechanically before shipping, and can be delivered as a complete unit or multiple assembly units for easy installation on board."

The eAHT series comprises winches with line pulls ranging from 200 tonnes to 600 tonnes, with an initial speed up to 25m/min and with a brake holding capacity up to 800 tonnes. Each winch is available in double- or triple-drum configuration to meet various designs and operational requirements. The drums are designed to carry a huge capacity of steel wire rope, as well as large diameter low specific weight fibre rope. The extended shaft connections at both ends of the winch are suitable for fitting chain wheels to handle chains ranging from 76mm diameter up to 160mm diameter.

The winches are driven by an AC variable frequency electric motor through an enclosed helical bevel gearbox. They also feature a freshwater-cooled hydraulic or pneumatic disc brake system allowing smooth changing between operational speed modes, from static to dynamic and during dynamic-lowering operations. They also have a regenerative multi-drive system, which offers various benefits including space savings, reduced wiring and greater redundancy when compared with traditional single-drive solutions. The regenerative energy can be easily fed back into the ship's main power system using Active Front-End (AFE) technology which has ultra-low harmonics capability; alternatively it can be dissipated through the braking resistor.

The winches are equipped with independent electro-hydraulically or fully electrically-driven spooling devices, which can be supplied as separate units for the yard to install on the winch compartment bulkhead or on the deck. The winch and spooling device can be controlled both locally and remotely from the wheelhouse.

All control features, including the length, speed and tension-monitoring system, are incorporated in one or two touch screens and remote control panels. Alternatively, these controls can be integrated into an ergonomically-designed operator chair with two joysticks located in the armrests.

In additional to these electrical solutions, Cargotec also supplies wide range safe deck handling gear, such as cargo rail crane, deck handling manipulator, chain wheel manipulator and shark jaws/ towing pins for anchor handling tug/supply vessels. Dry bulk cement handling system is also available within Cargotec's portfolio.

Cargotec provides quality service and sustainability throughout the complete life-cycle of the products. Cargotec's full service portfolio, including MacGregor Onboard Care (MOC) concept, is designed to meet customers' strategic and tactical needs. An MOC service contract offers the opportunity to compose a unique mix of services to meet each customers' specific requirements. Availability support, onboard maintenance, spare parts management and customer training are the four elements of an MOC service contract. This offers sustainable ship operations and revenue earning capabilities by ensuring the operative availability of the equipment through planned maintenance solutions and the global service network.