ALE’s Mega Jack 300 has performed its 100th jack-up on the Al-Zour oil refinery project in Kuwait.
The innovative jacking system is currently working on the oil and gas complex, which is expected to become one of the largest refineries in the world. ALE is providing the full onshore heavylifting solution for the Fluor Daweoo and Hyundai JV’s module strategy, performing the jack-up, transportation and installation of 188 modules.
Named for its 300t capacity per tower, the Mega Jack 300 was launched last year and is the latest edition to ALE’s Mega Jack fleet. It is a cost-effective jacking solution for any type of site condition. Its components are easy to handle, being considerably more compact and lightweight than previous models, so reconfigurations can be made quickly on site.
The Al-Zour Oil Refinery is the Mega Jack 300’s debut operation. It commenced work on the project in 2018 and previous lifts have included the longest and highest module ever jacked-up and installed in Kuwait. As the modules all vary in weight and dimensions, the system’s flexibility has been vital for the project. Its unique balance and low starting height have enabled it to pick up loads directly from SPMTs for this project, while the accuracy of the control systems has ensured modules can be manoeuvred safely.
Sarkis Juvelekian, Project Site Manager, explained, “The Mega Jack 300 is an ideal lifting solution for projects like this that need flexibility and speed from onsite equipment. The system is performing well, even in conditions with high utilisation in environments as harsh as Kuwait’s extreme heat and dust.”
There are now more than 20 Mega Jack 300 towers in ALE’s global fleet. A system of four towers is currently working at a shipyard in the UK and they will also be used on bridge installation projects later this year.
The Al-Zour complex is divided into three projects and includes a refinery, liquefied natural gas (LNG) processing facilities, and a petrochemicals complex. The Al-Zour Oil Refinery’s completion is planned for 2020 and it is expected to deliver 615,000 barrels per day.
