Publish date: 30 Nov 2021 

The versatile nature of Scotload’s load shackles allowed them to be used in multiple applications, including winch pull testing and testing outboard tension. 

Strainstall sister company, Scotload, the specialist in load measuring and monitoring solutions, has recently provided load monitoring shackles to the MeyGen project, the largest planned tidal energy plant and the only commercial multi-turbine array currently constructed, to help ensure safe offshore operations. 

James Fisher Marine Services (JFMS) approached Scotload to provide two 12.5-tonne load shackles for the MeyGen project in support of the work JFMS has completed, successfully reinstalling two Andritz turbines at MeyGen. JFMS also mobilised a full cable spread on the DPII vessel, Olympic Ares, as part of its five-year original equipment manufacturer agreement.  

Scotload’s load shackles enabled proof testing of offshore equipment, including two 10-tonne winches and the vessel’s sea fastening, as well as being used during offshore operations for real-time load monitoring of equipment to ensure critical parameters weren’t exceeded. 

Andreas Hibler, offshore project manager at JFMS, described some of the applications the load shackles were used for: 

“We used the load shackles for pull-testing all of our winches, from 2.5 to 10 tonnes, and to proof the sea fastening before another round of non-destructive testing, as well as the cable tensioner. At the operational stage, we used them in stoppers for the cable during dry mating operations to ensure that we’re maintaining a suitable outboard tension at all times.” 

By providing vital tension measurements, Scotload’s load shackles also enabled the JFMS team to remain within safety parameters throughout the cable dry mating operation to successfully complete the project. 

Scotload’s specialist load shackles are suitable for offshore, subsea and hazardous area operations, and are also available with Scotload’s innovative SmartLoad® wireless technology.