Heavy Lifting for offshore & marine structures

Engineered solutions for lifting and placing heavy loads at sea

Heavy lifting is a critical capability for offshore and marine projects where conventional cranes face limitations due to wave motion, height and access constraints. Offshore lifting requires detailed planning, robust equipment and specialist engineering to manage loads safely and reliably. VSL delivers heavy lifting services tailored to the unique challenges of marine and offshore environments, offering alternatives that reduce cost and downtime.

Why heavy lifting for offshore & marine structures

Offshore lifting tasks involve very heavy components and operations that are strongly affected by wave action and weather. Floating cranes can be expensive to secure and vulnerable to downtime in bad weather. A specialist heavy lifting solution provides controlled lifting, lowering, tilting and sliding methods that improve safety and reliability under challenging marine conditions.

Heavy lifting offers options beyond floating cranes and fixed cranes. This helps reduce vulnerability to weather and equipment delays.

Methods such as lifting, lowering and tilting are executed with engineered precision. This supports safe load handling in dynamic conditions.

Equipment and methods are designed for wave action and offshore loads. This enhances performance in coastal and deep-water settings.

Heavy lifting can reduce project cost and schedule risk compared to long-lead crane bookings and weather delays.

Approaches are tailored to project size and site conditions. This ensures fit-for-purpose execution.

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VSL’s Heavy Lifting Services

VSL provides a full suite of heavy lifting services for offshore and marine projects, combining engineering, equipment and execution expertise.

Feasibility studies and consultation for heavy lifting operations

Project planning and design support

Equipment specification and scheduling

Specialist equipment design and supply

Equipment leasing and operation

Execution of heavy lifting operations

Why Choose VSL for heavy lifting?

Decommissioning of an offshore gas platform, with the complete structure slid onto a self-elevating barge using engineered sliding beams

  • Custom solutions

    VSL adapts heavy lifting methods to the specific constraints of each offshore site.

  • Global equipment pool

    VSL operates one of the largest sets of heavy lifting systems worldwide.

  • Proven experience

    Decades of lifting history support reliable and safe service delivery.

FAQ about heavy lifting

These are some of the most common questions we receive. Got another one? Reach out to us!

It is an engineered method to lift, lower and place very heavy components in offshore and marine environments where conventional cranes are limited.

It applies to offshore platforms, marine foundations and large components that require precise positioning at sea.

Yes. VSL’s engineered solutions provide safer load control and reduce dependency on weather-sensitive cranes.

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Planning an offshore or marine project with heavy load requirements?

Contact VSL to explore heavy lifting solutions tailored to your site.