Project Overview – Hoist Hire for Offshore Life Extension Works
Red Rooster Lifting specialises in the hire and servicing of lifting solutions for critical offshore and industrial projects. As part of a major FPSO life extension programme at a leading dry dock facility in the UK, we supplied nine 15-tonne air hoists and trolleys on a three-month hoist hire contract.
Eight hoists were deployed on extensive propeller works, while the ninth was used for the critical task of removing turret components. This was a key element in the vessel’s ability to stay on station and connect to subsea infrastructure.
The lifting equipment played a vital role in enabling complex heavy-lift operations. This meant the project could proceed smoothly within a tightly controlled project schedule, typical of major offshore vessel overhauls.
The Challenge – Minimising Downtime Through Fast Service Response
During the removal of one turret component, a technical issue affected the hoist in use. As a result, there was a potential risk of unplanned downtime within the tightly sequenced programme. Delays at this stage could have caused significant knock-on effects for overall project timelines and costs.
Rather than returning the hoist to our workshop and introducing further delays — the decision was made to carry out a rapid on-site response.
Our Solution – Expert Service of Lifting Solutions On Site
To keep the project on track, Red Rooster Production Manager Gavin Fraser was dispatched at short notice to the dry dock. His technical expertise allowed quick diagnosis and he prepared a clear service plan. This allowed the hoist to return to operation minimal disruption.
The process involved:
- Safe removal of the hoist from the vessel for inspection and service.
- Stripping, cleaning, and rebuilding the unit to address the technical fault and restore operational integrity.
- Reinstallation of the hoist to allow the removal of the remaining turret components to continue without extended delays.
This rapid intervention ensured essential lifting operations resumed quickly, supporting the broader project timeline. For guidance on maintaining air hoist performance, explore our latest troubleshooting blog here.
Follow-Up Technical Support
Two months later, Gavin returned to site to oversee the hoist setup ahead of the reinstallation of the turret assembly. This follow-up ensured the equipment was configured correctly and performing optimally, which enabled lifting operations to continue smoothly and safely.
Outcome – Reliable Hoist Hire and Service of Lifting Solutions
Red Rooster’s ability to respond rapidly, diagnose issues on site, and carry out complex repairs under time pressure minimised downtime on this large-scale project. The hoist was fully operational again within a short timeframe, allowing the contractor to maintain project momentum and avoid costly delays.
This case clearly demonstrates:
- Rapid turnaround service and repair to minimise disruption.
- Deep technical expertise, deployable at short notice.
- Robust aftersales support, including follow-up site visits.
- Trusted lifting solutions for high-stakes offshore operations, where reliability is non-negotiable.
Key Takeaway
When unexpected issues arise, Red Rooster Lifting’s combination of hoist hire and expert service & repair makes us a trusted partner for complex, time-critical lifting operations across the offshore or onshore sector.
Explore our 15-tonne air hoist to see the equipment that supported this project — or get in touch to discuss lifting solutions for your next onshore, offshore or industrial project.