TTS Handling Systems has recently agreed a contract with Zamil Offshore Services company in Dammam, Saudi Arabia for the design, associated engineering and supply of a transfer system for the newly planned shipyard in Dammam Port.

The TTS equipment will be designed to optimize the smooth transfer of offshore and other commercial vessels that are increasingly being built to carry heavier loads, typically distributing weight unevenly along the keel length. Delivery will therefore comprise a fluid bed system with trolleys that distribute and even out peak loads on the shiplift platform, with winches on each side to help avoid overloading during lifting.

The equipment will not only enable efficient docking and transfer of vessels at the yard but will also be used for block handling during production of newbuildings. The total lifting capacity will be 8160 tons.

The contract has a value of about 28m NOK and will be supplied in first half of 2013.