Over the past 30 years Aberdeenshire-based Safelift Offshore has grown into a global market leader in the design, supply and manufacture of manual handling and lifting equipment across the energy sector and beyond.
The company has invested c. £1million over the course of the past year in enhancing facilities and expanding the team, with a view to fulfilling larger scale projects within the renewables sector.
Safelift Offshore is already reaping the benefits of this investment by securing several high-profile contracts within the offshore wind sector. The firm’s safety orientated approach has also played a key role in this success – a factor which positions them well to respond to the growing number of new challenges arising in offshore renewables.
Drawing on over 30 years of experience in the traditional oil and gas industry, Safelift’s team brings extensive knowledge to the renewables sector—particularly offshore wind. Their in-house design and engineering team prioritises safety alongside bespoke, project-specific requirements, ensuring every solution is fit for purpose.
In addition to manufacturing their own high-quality equipment, Safelift also curates a select range of powered and non-powered access solutions, electric tugs, gantry cranes, and hoists from trusted British and European alliance partners. This integrated approach offers clients a comprehensive technical procurement service—from front-end engineering through to day-to-day operations onboard their assets.
TenneT BorWin 6 project
Safelift was awarded the full mechanical handling project for the new-build 900MW high-voltage direct current (HVDC) substation in the German North Sea. The BorWin6 is one of the offshore grid connection systems, which TenneT connects directly to the corresponding wind turbines.
Safelift carried out 18 months of front-end engineering work prior to the full project award, and went on to supply:
- ATEX Zone 2 specification electric monorail hoists
- Manual hoists
- Powered scissors lift access platforms
- Manual low level access platforms
- Mobile scissors tables
- Safelift flatbed trucks
- Pallet trucks
- Counter-balance floor cranes
All items were corrosion resistant, with project specific paint systems for an offshore marine environment. The complete package was delivered within 16 weeks, with Safelift continuing to support the EPC team throughout the fabrication of the platform, providing solutions to access and handling challenges which came to light during the construction stage.
Local expertise – tailored solutions for each region and sector
Safelift Offshore has wide-ranging experience in adapting these solutions to different sectors as well as geographic territories
One particular project in Norway saw Safelift tasked with providing an engineered solution for the removal of pumps in an existing substation located in the Norwegian Continental Shelf. The space was restricted with narrow walkways and low headroom for access to lift the pump. The team designed a bespoke counterbalance floor crane with a manually operated slewing jib. The jib was restricted to 30 degrees, which allowed access to the pump, but controlled movement to prevent damage to nearby pipework. The design solution successfully delivered a safe, efficient, non-powered and low-maintenance solution.
New fabrication facility supported by ETZ
Safelift will shortly be unveiling their state-of-the-art new fabrication facility, supported by the Energy Transition Zone (ETZ) which is set to open a multitude of larger projects, particularly within the offshore wind and wider renewables market.
The new facility’s bespoke design will offer a solutions-led layout for these projects as well as increased usable space within the original facility.
Offshore wind solutions: driving safety and efficiency
Safelift Offshore MD, Steven Simpson, said:
“Building and maintaining offshore wind structures and facilities in harsh marine environments generates its own specific challenges. Corrosion, high winds and destructive waves have a detrimental impact on equipment and infrastructure. What’s more gaining access can be problematic, with decreased headroom precluding the use of large overhead cranes.
“With over 30 years of experience, our team applies their wealth of knowledge and expertise to devising safe solutions and improving daily operations. We go beyond manufacturing to deliver a complete wrap-around service, recommending, providing and procuring equipment that enhances safety, drives projects forward and extends both the lifespan and reliability of equipment.”
He added:
“We are currently bidding for contracts in some of the largest offshore wind projects in the world, which is a clear reflection of our drive to continuously innovate and evolve to provide bespoke packages for our customers. We have partnered with highly regarded manufacturers to supply a complete end-to-end solution for clients such as McDermott, TenneT and Equinor.”
To discuss your project get in touch:
+44 (0)1224 775774
Or visit us at: Safelift Offshore
