The presentations from the 2017 International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) Lifting and Rigging Seminar with its theme ‘Slings and rigging: ‘The soft revolution’’ held on 14 June at the Novotel Amsterdam Schiphol are now online, as is a full report on the seminar and details of the workshops held as an integral part of the day.

Eighty-five members and guests attended the Seminar which was a continuation of previous IMCA rope workshops, which focused on defining the issues related to high value subsea construction ropes. There was representation from rope manufacturers, rope users, third party assurance suppliers and academic development institutes.

This year’s seminar focused on high performance slings and grommets used for subsea construction, with its title ‘Slings and rigging – the soft revolution’ indicating the steady move over the past five years from wire to high performance fibre based rigging. Topics covered included the current codes and standards (IMCA has published one of the main guidelines), operational experience, supplier updates and test house/academic studies.

After a welcome and introduction from David Cannell of TechnipFMC, the Seminar chairman, there followed a number of presentations and workshops designed to present the latest status and understanding of the technology, to create discussions and to capture industry status and requirements (present and foreseen).

The first workshop saw delegates discussing actual experiences and hot topic issues such as ‘Satisfying clients’ requests – specifically with heavy lifting gear’ and ‘Certification for intended purpose?’ The second embraced ‘Requirements – now and future’ when code/guidance improvements, testing and future R&D needs were discussed. 

The presentations and workshop discussions will be used to influence, shape and develop existing and future IMCA guidance. The report and presentations are at www.imca-int.com/events/lifting-rigging-seminar-2017-amsterdam/

Further information on IMCA and its work on behalf of the offshore marine construction industry is available from www.imca-int.com and [email protected]. The association has LinkedIn and Facebook groups and its Twitter handle is @IMCAint

About IMCA
IMCA, the international association represents the vast majority of offshore marine contractors and the associated supply chain in the world, with members from over 60 countries. It publishes an extensive technical library of guidance documents on operational good practice, safety promotional materials, timely information notes and safety flashes. Its members benefit from a technical structure comprising four main divisions covering Offshore Diving, Marine, Remote Systems & ROVs, and Offshore Surveying. These are supported by a committee structure focused on: health, safety, security and the environment; competence and training; lifting and rigging; marine policy and regulatory affairs; and contracts and insurance. The association’s global coverage is organised into five geographic regions: Asia-Pacific, Europe & Africa, Middle East & India, North America, and South America.

Press information: Judith Patten @JPPR Tel: +44 (0)208 241 1912; Email: [email protected]

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 25 July 2017 )