Sparrows, Innovo innovate cable lay

Sparrows Group has partnered with leading engineering and manufacturing firm INNOVO to provide the offshore industry with the first fully electric-drive flexible cable and pipe lay system for rental. 

The wider collaboration between the firms will see them deliver full back-deck equipment packages for sale and rental to suit both the oil and gas and offshore wind markets globally. 

As part of the agreement INNOVO’s electric drive 700 Te multi-reel drive system will be rented alongside Sparrows Group’s wide range of electric drive tensioners as a fully packaged and managed lay system. 

Stewart Mitchell, chief executive officer at Sparrows Group, said: “Combining an electric tensioner with an electric reel drive means we can offer the market a uniquely sophisticated system that delivers greater control and therefore better precision and accuracy than traditional hydraulic drive appliances which can dramatically reduce the risk of damage to the product. Both pieces of equipment are fitted with the same control systems, allowing easy system synchronization which also improves the control of lay operations. 

“Compact in size considering its high capacity, INNOVO’s real drive is one of the most robust systems on the rental market which can be used with multiple reels if required. Combined with our 50 Te tensioner that works in both horizontal and vertical configurations, the system offers customers a high degree of versatility. 

“Over the past 12 months, we have seen a rise in demand for packaged rental solutions as companies try to maximise efficiencies and reduce capex costs. The agreement with INNOVO will see us offer engineering services for the mobilisation, installation and commissioning of any lay system as well as new build design and supply.”

Stefano Malagodi, managing director of INNOVO, said: “In partnering with the market leader in tensioners we are bringing together a wealth of experience and in-depth knowledge of specialist back deck equipment. The full lay system package is easily delivered anywhere in the world and with our 700 Te reel drive system on its way to Aberdeen just now it will soon be available for immediate mobilization in the North Sea.

“Together we will be providing engineering and technical support before and during operations through our qualified offshore technicians. By combining our expertise we will have the capability to offer specialist engineering services such as OrcaFlex analysis, point load seafastening, according to DNV GL, Lloyd’s Register and ABS codes, stability calculations and ship stability reports which all help optimize efficiency and save costs.”

INNOVO is devoted to providing high value professional services and high technology equipment for the renewables, oil and gas and marine business sectors. They are a member of DNV GL’s joint industrial panel for offshore equipment used for the laying and recovery of pipes and cables. 

Established originally in 1946, the Sparrows Group moved into the oil and gas market in 1975 and has more than 40 years’ experience working offshore. The company provides engineered products and services, primarily to the offshore sector, specializing in lifting and handling, cable and pipe lay, and fluid power solutions. 

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