OFFSHORE VESSELS AND SUSTAINIBILITY

The world of offshore industrial applications is vast and diverse. It is a world that is undergoing transformation in line with new approaches to sustainability, which now also apply to heavy industry. Product durability remains central to this type of dynamic: a product that lasts is a product that does not need to be replaced and can therefore amortize its environmental impact over five, ten, or even twenty years!

Brevetti Stendalto steel chains are moving in this direction: they transform a necessity, dictated by the hostility of marine environments, with salt, challenging weather conditions, and very demanding utilities, into an opportunity: steel is a material with an almost infinite life, and there is nothing more sustainable than something that can last over time.

In line with this philosophy, we are proud to present some applications that represent a novelty in the Brevetti world, as they are the first of their kind ever to be supplied. These applications have as their common denominator the integral or partial use of AISI316L stainless steel.

BACKHOE DREDGER

We were contacted regarding a problem with the proper functioning of this enormous marine excavator. Despite their relatively limited length, the high-pressure pipes are so large that they cause problems when the machine's arm is moved. Damage was frequent, as were machine downtime and repair and replacement costs.

Thanks to our technical department, we were able to find a configuration that could adapt to the critical issues of this application: limited space, a very high number of utilities, very heavy weights, and a high risk of corrosion due to marine salt.

The project study, which took several weeks of proposals and revisions, finally reached a conclusion: a chain made entirely of AISI316L stainless steel from the 6320 series, with an internal height of 320 mm. Given the multitude of hoses, we designed a completely unique configuration: multi-band, with 4 bands and internal separation with rods, with special end brackets. In addition, to adapt to the movement of the pipes during operations, some of the chain links are able to move counter-radius.

TRAILING SUCTION HOPPER DREDGER

These enormous vessels are tasked with dredging the seabed to adapt it to a wide variety of contexts. The section of the machinery equipped with cable chains is highly complex: the cables and pipes follow a precise track, with very tight angles and a total length of more than 30 meters. The main critical issue in this application is the unique movement of each of the six chains on the machinery, which we had to study ad hoc, simulating the movements with sophisticated software and numerous revisions. Another noteworthy variable is the working environment: the chains are completely immersed in seawater while operating.

The output provided is an AISI316L steel chain with specially machined crossframes, also made of AISI316L steel. The links, in order to follow the complex movements, are able to move following both the radius and the counter-radius of curvature. The photo shows three of the six chains during the initial testing phase, which will be completed in the first quarter of 2026. In the meantime, we are currently working on the second supply of this type, which is scheduled for delivery in the second half of 2026.

FULL REVOLVING PILE DRIVING VESSEL

A mammoth crane for operations in the middle of the sea. A Piling Vessel that can extend its arm to ensure greater operational flexibility when driving piles. The movement of the folding arm conceals four cable chains, two made of steel and two made of nylon. The steel chains guide the utilities on an extendable structure, allowing the arm to open to its maximum extension. The nylon chains, on the other hand, are simple semi-fixed supports to guide the utilities in the transition from the crane to the extension and vice versa.

This vessel, called San Hang Zhuang 22, has a total height of 110 meters with an incredible capacity of 150 tons and is over 90 meters long. It can perform driving operations to a depth of 95 meters, handling piles with a maximum diameter of 3 meters. A true engineering miracle in which Brevetti Stendalto has proudly played a part.