CASE STUDY: Specialised Subsea Equipment Handling
IDI Services Delivers Complex Contract Lifting and Plant Shifting for Baker Hughes
Client Profile
Baker Hughes, a global leader in oilfield services and equipment manufacturing, operates a major facility at Bridge of Don, Aberdeen, specialising in subsea systems and technology. As one of the world’s premier suppliers to the offshore energy sector, Baker Hughes required a lifting and plant-shifting partner capable of handling high-value subsea equipment with precision while maintaining operations at their busy manufacturing facility. The project demanded expertise in contract lifting, jacking and skating operations, and specialised equipment mobilisation.
The Challenge
The Baker Hughes Bridge of Don project presented multiple complex challenges that demanded IDI Services’ specialised expertise:
Operational Constraints
- An active manufacturing facility required careful coordination to minimise disruption to ongoing production schedules.
- Multiple simultaneous operations necessitated precise scheduling and workspace management.
- Strict adherence to Baker Hughes’ safety protocols and quality standards was mandatory.
- Time-sensitive project deadlines aligned with client delivery commitments
Technical Complexity
- Subsea equipment components required specialised handling due to their precision engineering and high value.
- Heavy-duty lifting operations involving multi-tonne equipment with tight clearances
- Jacking and skating operations demanded millimetre-precision positioning and movement.
- Plant shifting work required careful disconnection, movement, and repositioning of operational equipment
- Variable weather conditions typical of the Aberdeen area affected outdoor lifting operations.
Equipment and Access Challenges
- Large-scale subsea frames and components required specialised lifting equipment and rigging configurations
- Site access constraints necessitated careful equipment selection and movement planning.
- Multiple lift points and complex load distributions required detailed engineering calculations.
- Coordination between mobile cranes, specialised forklifts, and jacking/skating systems
The Solution
IDI Services designed a comprehensive lifting and plant shifting solution leveraging our 45+ years of industry experience:
Phase 1: Detailed Planning and Risk Assessment
Our team conducted thorough site assessments at the Baker Hughes facility, developing comprehensive method statements and risk assessments for each operation:
- Documented all subsea equipment specifications, lifting points, and handling requirements
- Created detailed lift plans using advanced engineering calculations
- Identified optimal equipment selection for each phase of the project
- Established coordination protocols with the Baker Hughes operations team
- Developed contingency plans for weather-related delays and operational challenges
Phase 2: Equipment Mobilisation and Setup
IDI Services deployed a comprehensive fleet of specialised equipment to meet the project’s diverse requirements:
Heavy-Lift Capabilities:
- Mobile telescopic cranes with appropriate capacity ratings for large subsea components
- Heavy-duty forklifts with specialised attachments for precision positioning
- Tracked excavators with lifting configurations for ground-level operations
Specialised Handling Systems:
- Jacking and skating equipment for the controlled movement of heavy plant equipment
- Custom rigging assemblies designed for specific subsea frame configurations
- Load monitoring systems to ensure safe working loads throughout operations
Safety and Support Equipment:
- Comprehensive banksman and slinger teams with offshore industry experience
- Real-time communication systems for coordinated multi-crane operations
- Weather monitoring equipment for safe outdoor lifting conditions
Phase 3: Contract Lifting Operations
Our experienced lifting teams executed multiple complex operations:
Subsea Equipment Handling:
- Precision lifting of large yellow subsea frames using specialised rigging points
- Coordinated tandem lifts requiring multiple cranes working in synchronisation
- Controlled positioning of subsea components for transport and installation
- Protection protocols throughout to prevent damage to precision-engineered surfaces
Multi-Equipment Coordination:
- Simultaneous operations using mobile cranes and heavy-duty forklifts
- Detailed choreography ensuring safe working distances and load paths
- Constant communication between lift supervisors, crane operators, and ground teams
Phase 4: Jacking, Skating, and Plant Shifting
IDI Services deployed specialised techniques for equipment repositioning:
Jacking Operations:
- Precise elevation of heavy subsea equipment using synchronised hydraulic jacking systems
- Load distribution calculations ensuring structural integrity throughout the lift
- Incremental height adjustments allow the safe positioning of skating systems
Skating Systems:
- Installation of heavy-duty skating equipment beneath raised loads
- Controlled movement of multi-tonne equipment across factory floors
- Millimetre-precision positioning at final locations
Plant Shifting:
- Safe disconnection of operational plant equipment
- Controlled movement using a combination of lifting and skating techniques
- Reconnection and verification of systems at new locations
Phase 5: Quality Assurance and Project Completion
Throughout all operations, IDI Services maintained rigorous quality standards:
- Pre-lift inspections of all equipment and rigging configurations
- Continuous monitoring of load conditions during all lifting operations
- Documentation of all critical lifts with photographic records
- Final verification inspections ensure equipment integrity
- Comprehensive handover documentation to the Baker Hughes team
The Results
The Baker Hughes Bridge of Don project was completed with exemplary outcomes:
Safety Performance
- Zero safety incidents throughout the entire multi-phase operation
- 100% compliance with Baker Hughes safety protocols and industry regulations
- No near-misses recorded despite complex, multi-equipment operations
- Full adherence to offshore industry safety standards
Operational Excellence
- On-time completion of all project phases despite weather challenges
- No damage to high-value subsea equipment during any handling operation
- Minimal disruption to ongoing Baker Hughes manufacturing operations
- Seamless coordination between multiple lifting operations and techniques
Technical Achievement
- Precision positioning of all subsea equipment components within specified tolerances
- Successful execution of complex jacking and skating operations
- Effective plant shifting with zero impact on equipment functionality
- Complete compliance with all engineering specifications and quality requirements
Client Testimonial
“IDI Services demonstrated exceptional capability in managing this complex, multi-faceted project. Their ability to coordinate contract lifting, jacking and skating, and plant shifting operations simultaneously while maintaining our facility’s operational requirements was impressive. The team’s expertise in handling sensitive subsea equipment and their unwavering commitment to safety gave us complete confidence throughout the project.”
— Operations Manager, Baker Hughes Bridge of Don
The IDI Advantage
This successful project exemplifies IDI Services’ core strengths in the offshore and subsea sectors:
Comprehensive Capabilities
- Contract lifting expertise with mobile cranes and specialised heavy-lift equipment
- Jacking and skating proficiency for precise equipment positioning and movement
- Plant shifting experience managing operational equipment relocation
- Multi-phase project coordination ensuring seamless execution across diverse operations
Industry Specialization
- 45+ years of experience serving the offshore energy sector
- Deep understanding of subsea equipment handling requirements
- Proven track record with major industry clients, including Baker Hughes
- Specialised equipment fleet designed for offshore and industrial applications
Technical Excellence
- Advanced planning methodologies using engineering calculations and CAD software
- Qualified personnel with offshore industry certifications and experience
- Comprehensive safety systems exceeding industry standards
- Quality assurance processes ensure precision throughout all operations
Client-Focused Approach
- Minimal operational disruption through careful scheduling and coordination
- Flexible solutions adapting to client requirements and site constraints
- Clear communication, maintaining alignment with client expectations
- Reliable delivery meeting critical project deadlines
Why Choose IDI Services for Subsea Equipment Handling
The offshore and subsea sectors demand lifting partners who understand the unique challenges of handling precision-engineered equipment in complex operational environments. IDI Services combines:
- Technical expertise in contract lifting, jacking, skating, and plant shifting
- Specialised equipment suited explicitly to subsea component handling
- Safety-first culture with a zero-incident performance record
- Proven experience with major offshore equipment manufacturers
- Comprehensive project management from planning through execution
Whether your project involves contract lifting of subsea equipment, plant shifting operations, or specialised jacking and skating techniques, IDI Services delivers the expertise, equipment, and execution excellence that industry leaders like Baker Hughes depend on.
For more information on how IDI Services can support your subsea equipment handling and lifting requirements, contact our team today.
