Far Samson is the most powerful offshore vessel ever built. It is a multi functional vessel capable of doing heavy ploughing operations for pipelines on seabed, as well as subsea installation work. Max bollard pull is 423 tonnes. Far Samson was awarded “Ship of the Year 2009” by Offshore Support Journal.  

The Plough handling equipment on deck of the Far Samson is designed and delivered by AXTech AS, Molde, Norway.

The system comprises

 

The special designed AXTech A-frame has a capacity of 315T at an outreach of 18,5m (58 deg.) aft, and  10,6m (33 deg.) forward . It is operable in sea-state 5 conditions and handles the huge Ploughs safely between vessel and sea. The A-frame is operated by two pairs of hydraulic cylinders and equipped with load measuring device for control and monitoring of actual load. The A-frame is developed in close co-operation with ship owner (Farstad Shipping) and operating company (Saipem) and is unique in design and performance.

In the Cross member a special Stabilizing Frame is installed.

This unit is hydraulically operated and works in two modes: In “Dampening mode” and “Active mode”. The Active mode is used to install Docking Bullet into and out of the Plough. Dampening mode is used during lift. The Stabilization Frame keeps the Ploughs from twisting and sideways movement during launch and recovery operation. It also guides the Ploughs safely through the splash zone. Another special feature in this unit is that it is designed for operation at single fall lifts. 

On deck of the vessel it is installed a rail system on which the Plough Trolleys are operating. It is one Trolley for the Main Plough and one for the Backfill Plough. The Trolleys are operated by a specially designed AXTech system for safe operation in offshore conditions. Wireless control is used for operation. Both trolleys are designed for handling a load of 250T. The dimensions of the Trolleys are approx 200m2 and 250m2.

The special design of vessel and PTS system allows for both ploughs being on vessel at the same time which is a great advantage for the ploughing job.