How Underhung and Monorail Cranes Helped Power the Acergy Borealis Offshore Project

Taking on the Sea, One Lift at a Time

Working offshore can be tough. You’re dealing with space limits, choppy waves, and tight timelines. That’s where smart lifting systems make a huge difference. When the Acergy Borealis project began, they needed a crane setup that could handle heavy loads, stay steady at sea, and work in narrow spaces. 

That’s when we at Jenmon stepped in. With our engineering team and tailored crane systems, we helped bring flexibility and performance right onto the vessel. Using Underhung and Monorail cranes and hoists, we delivered a solution that was compact, reliable, and made for the ocean. 

Let’s show you how we did it.

The Challenge – Lifting in the Harshest Offshore Environment

The Acergy Borealis wasn’t your average job. The vessel needed to lay pipes deep underwater while staying steady in open seas. You can imagine how hard that is on the equipment. The firing line ran across the ship, joining pipes into a long chain that would be lowered to the seabed. 

Each pipe section had to move smoothly, and the entire operation needed to be quick and safe. With space so tight, large gantry cranes or bridge cranes just wouldn’t fit. That’s why an innovative underhung and monorail crane system was the answer—compact, ceiling-mounted, and built to work nonstop.

The Jenmon Solution – Purpose-Built Underhung and Monorail Crane Systems

You need solutions that fit, not just function. We worked closely with the upper management to design 18 wire rope hoists and 15 chain hoists. Each underhung and monorail crane system came with ceiling-mounted rails to save space. We used underhung and monorail hoists with low headroom designs, so every inch of height was put to good use. 

These underhung and monorail overhead cranes worked like a charm—even in cramped spots. We also added a trolley system with an energy chain to replace traditional festoons. This gave better cable management and improved safety. Every beam, hoist, and rail was built for performance and reliability.

Compact Power with Underhung and Monorail Overhead Cranes

Think of underhung and monorail cranes like a railway system in the sky. Ours ran on ceiling-mounted tracks to handle materials across the firing line. You didn’t need massive gantry cranes or big bridge systems. Instead, these slim cranes lifted loads smoothly and saved floor space. 

They made it easy to transport pipes from one joint station to the next. With smart mounting on fixed structures, our underhung and monorail beams followed a fixed path and worked around curved sections, too. Whether you needed a straight or telescopic underhung and monorail, our modular design made it work. It was the perfect fit for the job.

Flexibility and Stability with Rack and Pinion Drives

Out at sea, even the best ships sway. That movement can mess with lifts. So we made sure each crane stayed on track with a custom rack and pinion drive. This kept things steady when the vessel moved. We also installed runways just 50mm apart for high precision. Larger crane wheels helped the trolley run smoothly. 

That way, each lift stayed straight and stable. You don’t want a load swinging around offshore. Our underhung and monorail hoist cranes moved with control, even in rolling waters. That’s how we handled sagging, hogging, and every curve the sea could throw at us.

Built for the Sea – Durability, Coating & Maintenance

Saltwater eats metal. That’s a fact. So we prepped each crane for offshore use. Before painting, we blasted every part clean to remove grime and salt. Then, we coated the steel with marine-grade paint. That protects against rust and keeps everything looking good and working right. Even the hoist and its components got this treatment. 

This made the system easy to maintain and perfect for long-term use. Less downtime, fewer repairs. That’s what you want offshore. We designed these underhung and monorail systems not just to lift, but to last. When you work at sea, equipment that lasts matters most.

Engineering for Precision – A True Team Effort

We didn’t just build cranes. We built trust. Our engineering team worked side-by-side with the client to get every detail right. From runway spacing to wheel sizes, everything was tailored. The modular setup lets us adjust parts without major changes. If a beam or curve needed tweaking, no problem. 

We used curve track underhung and monorails, and custom components to match each area on the vessel. That’s how we kept operations smooth. We made sure the cranes moved in a linear path and supported the workflow. With us, you don’t just get gear—you get a smart, flexible crane solution that works.

Final Results – Load-Tested, DNV-Certified, and Client-Approved

In 2011, the cranes were load-tested in Singapore at Sembawang Shipyard. Everything passed DNV standards with flying colours. The client was more than happy. They thanked us for the solid support and fast response. We take pride in that. 

Our underhung and monorail crane systems proved their worth—not just in the test yard, but out at sea where it really matters. Now the Borealis is off to more offshore projects, with lifting gear that won’t let them down. At Jenmon, we don’t just meet lifting requirements—we build equipment that supports your mission, no matter how rough the waters.

Monorail Cranes That Stand Up to the Sea

When you work offshore, you can’t afford slowdowns. You need equipment that’s strong, smart, and easy to maintain. That’s where our underhung and monorail crane systems come in. With flexible, ceiling-mounted rails, sturdy hoists, and smart engineering, we give you the tools to keep your operations moving. 

From freestanding underhung and monorails to overhead lifting solutions, we’ve got you covered. Whether it’s a workshop, ship, or facility, our crane systems fit right in. Let’s talk if you’ve got unique needs. At Jenmon, we’re ready to help you lift smarter, safer, and faster—no matter where the job takes you.