Cranemaster has developed a passive heave compensator (PHC) and shock absorber designed to manage dynamic loads of up to 3,000 tonnes during offshore lifting operations. The unit, designated CM3-3000T-5500-A, was developed in collaboration with Heerema Marine Contractors in response to increasing load requirements in offshore wind installation. The system is designed to stabilise heavy lifts and reduce peak forces caused by vessel motion, helping to protect cranes, rigging and structures.
By absorbing shock loads and limiting vertical movement, the PHC supports improved load control in offshore conditions. This contributes to wider operational weather windows and enhanced safety margins during lifting operations.
The unit has already been deployed on offshore wind projects and is planned for further installation work later in the year.
Cranemaster also plans to introduce a configuration in which two units can operate in parallel, enabling combined load handling of up to 6,000 tonnes. This approach is intended for the installation of large offshore structures, including jackets, topsides, wind turbine foundations, floating wind structures and subsea infrastructure.
The system underwent full-scale testing in Norway, including load cycling, dynamic response and structural verification under simulated offshore conditions, supported by physical testing and numerical modelling. The unit is designed and manufactured in Norway.
