Pioneering engineering
MV Lone achieves new open-top load line assignment
This milestone underscores the innovative engineering expertise of our team at SAL Engineering, and positions MV Lone for enhanced operational capabilities in upcoming offshore projects.
Managing Director of SAL Engineering GmbH
The path to certification
We realized a significant achievement for our vessel MV Lone. In accordance with existing SPS-Code requirements and in preparation for her upcoming IP-Code certification in February 2025, the vessel has been assigned a new open-top load line, increasing her maximum draft to an impressive 8.5m, boosting the corresponding deadweight capacity by 3300 tons.
This milestone underscores the innovative engineering expertise of our team at SAL Engineering, and positions MV Lone for enhanced operational capabilities in upcoming offshore projects.
Achieving this certification required thorough preparation and testing. Open-top seakeeping model tests were conducted at the prestigious Hamburg Ship Model Basin (HSVA). These tests evaluated the vessel’s dynamic behaviour under heavy storm conditions, simulating waves with a significant height of 8.5m.
The assessment also included measuring green water ingress into the open cargo hold under five different encounter angles, defined as the angles between the vessel’s forward direction and the wave propagation. The test program was meticulously designed to meet statutory rules for acquiring the open-top load line certification.
Why the increased draft?
The decision to pursue a higher draft was driven by the specific requirements of MV Lone’s future offshore operations, including the Baltic Power and Windanker projects. These offshore transition piece installation projects demand higher hook loads, requiring additional ballast to maintain stability and safety. The increased displacement ensures safe and efficient offshore lifts. By increasing the open-top draft from 7.5m to 8.5m, MV Lone is now fully equipped to meet these operational challenges, ensuring safe and reliable performance even in demanding conditions.
Collaboration and expertise
This achievement was made possible by the inhouse expertise of our engineers, whose innovative solutions ensured compliance with regulatory requirements while optimizing the vessel’s operational readiness. The model tests at HSVA provided invaluable insights into the vessel’s performance under extreme conditions, reaffirming the importance of meticulous planning and advanced engineering in maritime operations.