The new Triplex MDH (Multi Deck Handler) is revolutionising anchor and cargo handling - also removing the most dangerous working operations on board anchor handling and supply vessels.

The development of the Triplex MDH is the result of close collaboration between Solstad Technology and Triplex AS over the past two to three years. Ship owners and crew have also contributed ideas and expertise to developing this Safe Deck Operation system of the future.

There has been great interest in the Multi Deck Handler and the prototype will be operational from summer 2007 aboard a newbuilding for Solstad Shipping.

Deck work performed on board anchor handling and supply vessels is high-risk. Therefore, the authorities have now drawn up new safety requirements for safe anchor- and cargo handling.

Several cases of serious personal injury during anchor handling had led Statoil to take the initiative on developing new deck working methods. The vision for this work is: “High risk working operations should be performed with the minimum exposure of personnel.”

As a link in the development of new methods in connection with anchor handling, Statoil had chosen to carry out HAZOPs to test the concepts. The purpose of this had been to make an evaluation of whether the various solutions harmonise with the established vision.

A competition was later advertised where companies were requested to present ideas on how anchor handling could be made safer. The objective was to retain two serious players that had achieved good results. One of the selected was Triplex AS in co-operation with Solstad Technology AS.

The MDH concept is based on a remote-controlled travelling crane, with a carriageway between the cargo rail and the outer railing.

The travelling crane runs over the complete deck and has a maximum lifting capacity in the whole of the work area.

Triplex MDH is constructed with a lifting capacity of up to 45 tons, divided between a winch with a lifting capacity of 22 tons and two cranes/manipulators. So, the anchors, containers and other deck cargo can be easily handled without a seaman being on deck.

The cranes/manipulators will additionally be equipped with different types of tools to perform special working operations, such as anchor handling and other purposes.