Project Overview
Red Rooster Lifting was engaged to support a critical offshore decommissioning scope involving the removal of approximately 20 tonnes of 30” production conductor from the seabed.
This operation formed part of the critical path to topsides removal and required a reliable large capacity air hoist rental solution capable of delivering controlled vertical extraction in a demanding offshore environment.
Following an urgent requirement, Red Rooster Lifting mobilised equipment from our specialist rental fleet, engineered a bespoke control solution, and provided structured technical support to ensure the workscope progressed safely and efficiently.
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The Decommissioning Lifting Challenge
Offshore decommissioning projects involving conductor removal present several technical challenges:
- High individual lift weights (approx. 20 tonnes per section)
- Controlled vertical extraction from subsea position
- Restricted deck space and structural constraints
- Requirement for flexible multi-hoist configuration
- Tight programme deadlines on critical path activities
The client required a high-capacity air hoist rental provider capable of delivering both lifting capacity and operational control, with rapid mobilisation.
The Large Capacity Air Hoist Rental Solution
Red Rooster Lifting supplied:
- 8 × 25-tonne hook suspension air hoists from our large-capacity rental fleet
- A bespoke control system, designed and built in-house
- Pendant control with a three-stage selector switch enabling:
- Individual hoist operation
- Dual hoist paired operation
- Rapid switching between configurations
This configuration allowed the offshore team to adapt the lifting arrangement depending on conductor section weight and positioning, ensuring safe and controlled extraction throughout the decommissioning operation.
The performance of the 25 tonne air hoists delivered consistent pulling power and smooth load control during high-load vertical lifts.
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Technical Support & Project Preparation
Comprehensive technical support was provided to ensure safe and efficient operation throughout the project lifecycle.
Our Production Manager, worked closely with the client team through:
- Multiple Teams calls to review the decommissioning lifting scope
- Detailed discussions regarding configuration and correct operation of the eight 25-tonne air hoists
- Client visits to our workshop prior to dispatch to enhance understanding of the custom control system
- Preparation and issue of a dedicated operating procedure for the eight 25-tonne units
- Development of a project-specific pre-use inspection procedure to support smooth offshore operation
This structured preparation ensured the offshore team had complete clarity on the control system, inspection requirements, and safe operation of the equipment prior to mobilisation — contributing to seamless execution during conductor removal.
Client Feedback
“The feedback from Offshore regarding the Red Rooster hoists has been nothing short of fantastic. In addition to your quick responses, assistance, return of checksheets, procedures and attending meetings, you have represented the product incredibly well.”
This endorsement reinforces both the reliability of our large capacity air hoist rental fleet and the strength of our technical project support for offshore decommissioning works.
Outcome
The combination of:
- High-capacity air hoist rental equipment
- Custom control integration
- Structured technical preparation
- Rapid response and documentation support
enabled the safe and controlled removal of 30” conductor sections, supporting a key milestone within the wider offshore decommissioning programme.
Red Rooster Lifting continues to support complex decommissioning and heavy lifting projects worldwide with specialist rental solutions.
View more offshore and heavy lifting case studies here