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The ''VB-10,000'' is a heavy-lift twin-gantry catamaran consisting of two truss space frames atop two barges. The design was derived from Versabar's earlier ''VB-4000'' (aka ''Bottom Feeder''), which was developed to clear debris from toppled oil drilling platforms in the Gulf of Mexico. Instead of sending divers to section the wreckage into pieces, the heavy-lift capability facilitates salvaging the platform as a single piece.<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.offshore-mag.com/articles/print/volume-67/issue-8/construction-installation/versabar-invention-lifts-submerged-topsides-in-one-piece.html |title=Versabar invention lifts submerged topsides in one piece |author=Paganie, David |date=August 2007 |journal=Offshore |volume=67 |issue=8 |accessdate=14 July 2016}}</ref> The ''VB-10,000'' is a heavy-lift twin-] ] consisting of two truss ]s atop two ]s. The design was derived from Versabar's earlier ''VB-4000'' (aka ''Bottom Feeder''),<ref name=USPat>{{cite patent |country=US |number=7527006 |status=granted |title=Marine lifting apparatus |pubdate=5 May 2009 |gdate=5 May 2009 |fdate=13 December 2006 |inventor=Khachaturian, Jon |assign1=Khachaturian, Jon}}</ref><ref>{{cite patent |country=US |number=8960114
|status=granted |title=Marine lifting apparatus |fdate=30 November 2011 |gdate=31 May 2012 |inventor=Khachaturian, Jon |assign1=Khachaturian, Jon}}</ref> which was developed to clear debris from toppled ] in the ]. Instead of sending divers to section the wreckage into pieces, the heavy-lift capability facilitates salvaging the platform as a single piece.<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.offshore-mag.com/articles/print/volume-67/issue-8/construction-installation/versabar-invention-lifts-submerged-topsides-in-one-piece.html |title=Versabar invention lifts submerged topsides in one piece |author=Paganie, David |date=August 2007 |journal=Offshore |volume=67 |issue=8 |accessdate=14 July 2016}}</ref> The primary benefit is increasing safety by reducing the number of high-risk diving activities, but substantial cost savings can be realized by reducing the number of lifts and shortening the decommissioning schedule.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://fuelfix.com/blog/2014/05/07/safety-cost-driving-new-technology-for-removing-rigs/#photo-217423 |title=Safety, cost driving new technology for removing rigs |author=Tresaugue, Matthew |date=7 May 2014 |newspaper=Houston Chronicle |accessdate=1 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.marinelink.com/news/declutter-push-gulf347104.aspx |title=Push Is On To Declutter Gulf of Idle Iron |author=Buchanan, Susan |date=21 August 2012 |journal=Maritime Reporter |accessdate=14 July 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cablejoints.co.uk/upload/Offshore-Decommissioning-Safety-Discussion.pdf |title=Risk Reduction in Offshore Decommissioning: Chevron's Success in the Gulf of Mexico |author=Dennis, Lew |date=2012 |website=cablejoints.co.uk |accessdate=1 August 2016 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160725191646/http://www.cablejoints.co.uk/upload/Offshore-Decommissioning-Safety-Discussion.pdf |archivedate=25 July 2016 |deadurl=no}}</ref>


The truss sections are decoupled from the motion of the barges by using specially-designed hinges. Once the wreck has been lifted clear of the water, there is {{convert|160|ft}} of clearance between the two barge hulls for a third independent cargo barge. ''VB-10,000'' is capable of lifting {{convert|7500|ST}} in a single lift, nearly doubling the {{convert|4000|ST|adj=on}} capacity of its predecessor.<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.enr.com/articles/9361-coastal-lift-specialist-doubles-size-of-its-marine-workhorse?v=preview |title=Coastal Lift Specialist Doubles Size of Its Marine Workhorse |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=22 June 2011 |journal=Engineering News-Record |accessdate=14 July 2016 }}{{subreq}}</ref> ''VB-10,000'' is the largest lift vessel ever built in the United States.<ref name=vbar>{{cite web |url=http://www.vbar.com/vb10000/index.html |title=VB 10,000 |date=2013 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=Versabar |accessdate=14 July 2016}}</ref> The color and shape of the trusses on ''VB-10,000'' have prompted comparisons to the famed ] signature ].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.tlgnewspaper.com/golden-arches-causing-a-stir-in-the-gulf |title=Golden arches causing a stir in the Gulf |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=4 October 2013 |newspaper=The Lafourche Gazette |accessdate=1 August 2016}}</ref>


==Design capabilities==
Each barge is approximately {{convert|300|ft}} long by {{convert|72|ft}} in beam, and each barge carries four {{convert|1000|hp}} thrusters to allow for station keeping without anchors and mooring lines. Since its deployment, Versabar has added "claws" to allow for retrieval without sending divers to attach rigging to sunken debris.
Each truss is nearly {{convert|240|ft}} at its highest point,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.imcbrokers.com/blog/overview/detail/the-versabar-vb-10-000 |title=The Versabar VB 10,000 (blog) |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=5 January 2012 |website=International Marine Consultancy |accessdate=1 August 2016}}</ref> with a hook height of {{convert|178|ft}}.<ref name=vbar /> The truss sections are decoupled from the motion of the barges by using specially-designed hinges.<ref name=vbuoy>{{cite web |url=http://www.vbuoy.com/articulated_joint/ |title=The Articulating Joint |date=2011 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=Versabuoy |accessdate=14 July 2016}}</ref> Each truss has a "wide" side and a "narrow" side, denoting the relative footprint of the truss-to-barge connection.<ref name=Offshore71 /> The "wide" side is essentially pinned to the barge with a single degree of freedom (rotational). The "narrow" side has the specially-designed double joint allowing two rotational degrees of freedom. Each barge has one narrow and one wide interface.<ref name=USPat /> The hinges use ] Orkot bearings, a composite material which provide a longer life and lowered maintenance compared to the lubricated bronze bearings used in ''Bottom Feeder''.<ref name=vbuoy /><ref>{{cite journal |url=https://www.pddnet.com/article/2013/01/versabars-claw-gets-grip-marine-salvage |title=Versabar's Claw Gets a Grip on Marine Salvage |author=Trelleborg, AB |date=3 January 2013 |journal=Product Design and Development |accessdate=14 July 2016}}</ref>

Once the wreck has been lifted clear of the water, there is {{convert|160|ft}} of clearance between the two barge hulls for a separate cargo barge to enter. The load may be placed onto the separate barge for transportation.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ricksblog.biz/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Greencanyon1.pdf |title=The Removal of Green Canyon 6A By Versabar's VB-10000 |author=Devine, Peter |date=5 July 2011 |website=rickblog.biz |accessdate=1 August 2016 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160725191337/http://ricksblog.biz/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Greencanyon1.pdf |archivedate=25 July 2016 |deadurl=no}}</ref> ''VB-10,000'' is capable of lifting {{convert|7500|ST}} in a single lift, nearly doubling the {{convert|4000|ST|adj=on}} capacity of its predecessor.<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.enr.com/articles/9361-coastal-lift-specialist-doubles-size-of-its-marine-workhorse?v=preview |title=Coastal Lift Specialist Doubles Size of Its Marine Workhorse |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=22 June 2011 |journal=Engineering News-Record |accessdate=14 July 2016 }}{{subreq}}</ref>

Each barge is approximately {{convert|300|ft}} long by {{convert|72|ft}} in beam, and each barge carries four {{convert|1000|hp}} ] thrusters for station keeping without anchors and mooring lines. The dynamic positioning system is rated to class 3 standards (ABS Class DPS-3).<ref name=vbar /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thrustmaster.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Portable-Dyanmic-Positioning-System-Brochure-2014.pdf |title=Portable dynamic positioning system |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=2014 |website=Thrustmaster of Texas |accessdate=1 August 2016 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140913140643/http://www.thrustmaster.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Portable-Dyanmic-Positioning-System-Brochure-2014.pdf |archivedate=13 September 2014 |deadurl=no}}</ref>

Versabar developed "The Claw" at Chevron's request. "The Claw" is a gantry-suspended submersible grappling device designed to retrieve sunken debris without sending divers to attach rigging. Each gantry on ''VB-10,000'' can support a single Claw, and each Claw is capable of lifting {{convert|2000|ST}} from locations as deep as {{convert|350|ft}} underwater. The total lifting capacity of a single Claw is {{convert|3000|ST}}, but the claw itself weighs {{convert|1000|ST}}.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://fuelfix.com/blog/2012/05/02/the-claw-could-rescue-submerged-topsides-from-ocean-floor/#photo- |title=The Claw Is A Grabber Of A Product (blog) |author=Rutledge, Tanya |newspaper=Houston Chronicle |date=2 May 2012 |accessdate=1 August 2016}}</ref> Initial sketches for the Claw were developed in December 2010,<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://virtual.ocean-news.com/publication/?i=102832&p=30 |title=The Claw: Innovation In Offshore Salvage Operations |author=Schott, Cassie |date=March 2012 |journal=Ocean News & Technology |volume=18 |issue=2 |pages=30–32 |accessdate=14 July 2016}}</ref> and the Claw was first deployed in August 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oedigital.com/drilling/decommissioning/item/697-jaws-of-steel |title=Jaws of steel |author=McCulley, Russell |date=1 January 2012 |website=Offshore Engineer |accessdate=14 July 2016}}</ref>

==History==

===Construction===
''Bottom Feeder'' lifted more than {{convert|60000|ST}} during more than 100 subsea lift operations in its first four seasons of operation. Upon reviewing the operating experience and refit plans, Versabar realized that modifications to increase hook height and lifting capacity of ''Bottom Feeder'' would be better accomplished with a completely new build. However, the larger trusses planned for ''VB-10,000'' each weighed {{convert|3400|ST}}, meaning that each truss would have to be built in two separate sections and then mated together, as none of the cranes at the yard were capable of lifting a completed truss.<ref name=Offshore71>{{cite journal |url=http://www.offshore-mag.com/articles/print/volume-71/issue-1/engineering_-construction/new-heavy-lift-vessel-deploys-in-gulf.html |title=New heavy lift vessel deploys in Gulf |date=January 2011 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |journal=Offshore |volume=71 |issue=1 |accessdate=14 July 2016}}</ref> Falsework was used to support one section while the two sections were welded together, and ]s moved the trusses onto one barge. Once the trusses were secured to one barge, the transporters were moved to the other half of the trusses to move them onto the second barge. After construction was complete, each gantry was proof tested with a {{convert|2740|ST|adj=on}} load. ''VB-10,000'' was towed from the yard on {{date|2010-10-07|df=yes}}.<ref name=Offshore71 />

⚫ Versabar announced that preliminary design work on a larger successor for operations outside the Gulf of Mexico was under way in April 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://analysis.decomworld.com/projects-and-technologies/us-versabar-develops-larger-lifting-unit-global-market |title=US' Versabar develops larger lifting unit for global market |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=29 April 2015 |website=Decomworld |accessdate=14 July 2016}}</ref>

===Operations===
''VB-10,000'' performed its first lift on {{date|2010-10-09|df=yes}}, a {{convert|1530|ST|adj=on}} topside and jacket which had toppled during a storm at Vermilion 285. Approximately a week later, ''VB-10,000'' retrieved a {{convert|2500|ST|adj=on}} topside which had been damaged by fire.<ref name=Offshore71 />

The Claw was used in 20 lift projects during its first year of deployment.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://fuelfix.com/blog/2012/05/03/new-market-for-dismantling-old-rigs-results-in-the-claw/#photo- |title=New market for dismantling old rigs results in 'The Claw' (blog) |author1=Tresauge, Matthew |author2=Pickrell, Emily |newspaper=Houston Chronicle |date=3 May 2012 |accessdate=1 August 2016}}</ref>


==References== ==References==
Line 58: Line 78:


==External links== ==External links==
* {{cite web |url=http://www.vbar.com/vb10000/index.html |title=VB 10,000 |date=2013 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=Versabar |accessdate=14 July 2016}}
* {{cite journal |url=http://www.offshore-mag.com/articles/print/volume-71/issue-1/engineering_-construction/new-heavy-lift-vessel-deploys-in-gulf.html |title=New heavy lift vessel deploys in Gulf |date=January 2011 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |journal=Offshore |volume=71 |issue=1 |accessdate=14 July 2016}}
<!--no gCaptain, huh?{{cite web |url=http://gcaptain.com/interesting-ship-versbar-heavy-lift-vessel/ |title=Interesting Ship - Versabar's VB 10,000 Heavy Lift Catamaran |author=Schuler, Mike |date=22 May 2012 |website=gCaptain |accessdate=14 July 2016}}--> <!--no gCaptain, huh?{{cite web |url=http://gcaptain.com/interesting-ship-versbar-heavy-lift-vessel/ |title=Interesting Ship - Versabar's VB 10,000 Heavy Lift Catamaran |author=Schuler, Mike |date=22 May 2012 |website=gCaptain |accessdate=14 July 2016}}-->
* {{cite journal |url=https://www.pddnet.com/article/2013/01/versabars-claw-gets-grip-marine-salvage |title=Versabar's Claw Gets a Grip on Marine Salvage |author=Trelleborg, AB |date=3 January 2013 |journal=Product Design and Development |accessdate=14 July 2016}}
* {{cite web |url=http://www.vbuoy.com/articulated_joint/ |title=The Articulating Joint |date=2011 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=Versabuoy |accessdate=14 July 2016}}
* {{cite journal |url=http://www.marinelink.com/news/declutter-push-gulf347104.aspx |title=Push Is On To Declutter Gulf of Idle Iron |author=Buchanan, Susan |date=21 August 2012 |journal=Maritime Reporter |accessdate=14 July 2016}}
* {{cite web |url=http://www.cif.org/awards/2008/10_-_Offshore_Deck_Salvage_System.pdf |title=Versabar—'Bottom Feeder' |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=2008 |accessdate=14 July 2016 |website=Construction Innovation Forum}} * {{cite web |url=http://www.cif.org/awards/2008/10_-_Offshore_Deck_Salvage_System.pdf |title=Versabar—'Bottom Feeder' |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=2008 |accessdate=14 July 2016 |website=Construction Innovation Forum}}
* {{cite journal |url=http://virtual.ocean-news.com/publication/?i=102832&p=30 |title=The Claw: Innovation In Offshore Salvage Operations |author=Schott, Cassie |date=March 2012 |journal=Ocean News & Technology |volume=18 |issue=2 |pages=30–32 |accessdate=14 July 2016}}
* {{cite web |url=http://www.industrytap.com/oil-rig-remover-stable-hurricane-seas-4000-ton-lift-capacity/12159 |title=Oil Rig Remover: Stable in Hurricane Seas, 4,000 Ton Lift Capacity |author=Schilling, David Russell |date=10 February 2015 |website=industry tap into news |accessdate=14 July 2016}} * {{cite web |url=http://www.industrytap.com/oil-rig-remover-stable-hurricane-seas-4000-ton-lift-capacity/12159 |title=Oil Rig Remover: Stable in Hurricane Seas, 4,000 Ton Lift Capacity |author=Schilling, David Russell |date=10 February 2015 |website=industry tap into news |accessdate=14 July 2016}}
* {{cite web |url=http://www.oedigital.com/drilling/decommissioning/item/697-jaws-of-steel |title=Jaws of steel |author=McCulley, Russell |date=1 January 2012 |website=Offshore Engineer |accessdate=14 July 2016}}
* {{cite news |url=http://www.chron.com/business/energy/article/Bottom-Feeder-recovers-undersea-wreckage-from-Gulf-1842650.php# |title=Bottom Feeder recovers undersea wreckage from Gulf |author=Hays, Kristen |date=8 August 2007 |newspaper=Houston Chronicle |accessdate=14 July 2016}} * {{cite news |url=http://www.chron.com/business/energy/article/Bottom-Feeder-recovers-undersea-wreckage-from-Gulf-1842650.php# |title=Bottom Feeder recovers undersea wreckage from Gulf |author=Hays, Kristen |date=8 August 2007 |newspaper=Houston Chronicle |accessdate=14 July 2016}}
⚫ * {{cite web |url=http://analysis.decomworld.com/projects-and-technologies/us-versabar-develops-larger-lifting-unit-global-market |title=US' Versabar develops larger lifting unit for global market |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=29 April 2015 |website=Decomworld |accessdate=14 July 2016}}
* {{cite web |url=http://ricksblog.biz/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Greencanyon1.pdf |title=The Removal of Green Canyon 6A By Versabar's VB-10000 |author=Devine, Peter |date=5 July 2011 |website=rickblog.biz |accessdate=1 August 2016 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160725191337/http://ricksblog.biz/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Greencanyon1.pdf |archivedate=25 July 2016 |deadurl=no}}
* {{cite web |url=http://www.cablejoints.co.uk/upload/Offshore-Decommissioning-Safety-Discussion.pdf |title=Risk Reduction in Offshore Decommissioning: Chevron's Success in the Gulf of Mexico |author=Dennis, Lew |date=2012 |website=cablejoints.co.uk |accessdate=1 August 2016 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160725191646/http://www.cablejoints.co.uk/upload/Offshore-Decommissioning-Safety-Discussion.pdf |archivedate=25 July 2016 |deadurl=no}}
* {{cite news |url=http://www.tlgnewspaper.com/golden-arches-causing-a-stir-in-the-gulf |title=Golden arches causing a stir in the Gulf |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=4 October 2013 |newspaper=The Lafourche Gazette |accessdate=1 August 2016}}
* {{cite web |url=http://www.popsci.com/bown/2011/product/versabar-vb10000 |title=Versabar VB10000 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=2011 |publisher=Popular Science |accessdate=1 August 2016 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111118205601/http://www.popsci.com/bown/2011/product/versabar-vb10000 |archivedate=18 November 2011 |deadurl=yes}} * {{cite web |url=http://www.popsci.com/bown/2011/product/versabar-vb10000 |title=Versabar VB10000 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=2011 |publisher=Popular Science |accessdate=1 August 2016 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111118205601/http://www.popsci.com/bown/2011/product/versabar-vb10000 |archivedate=18 November 2011 |deadurl=yes}}
* {{cite news |url=http://www.al.com/news/mobile/index.ssf/2015/03/what_is_the_big_orange_thing_i.html |title=What is the big orange thing in Mobile River? |author=Fambro, Cassie |date=9 March 2015 |newspaper=AL.com |accessdate=1 August 2016}} * {{cite news |url=http://www.al.com/news/mobile/index.ssf/2015/03/what_is_the_big_orange_thing_i.html |title=What is the big orange thing in Mobile River? |author=Fambro, Cassie |date=9 March 2015 |newspaper=AL.com |accessdate=1 August 2016}}

Revision as of 18:38, 1 August 2016

VB-10,000 prepares to place a decommissioned jacket as an artificial reef off the coast of Lousiana
History
United States US
NameVB-10,000
OperatorVersabar (Versamarine)
BuilderGulf Marine Fabricators
Yard number139
Completed2010
In service2010–present
HomeportNew Orleans
IdentificationUSCG ID 1225018 (MMSI 367490050)
StatusIn service
General characteristics
Class and typeFloating barge crane
Tonnage10116
Length277.4 feet (85 m)
Beam314 feet (96 m)
Draught20 feet (6 m)
Propulsionnone

The VB-10,000 is a heavy-lift twin-gantry catamaran consisting of two truss space frames atop two barges. The design was derived from Versabar's earlier VB-4000 (aka Bottom Feeder), which was developed to clear debris from toppled oil drilling platforms in the Gulf of Mexico. Instead of sending divers to section the wreckage into pieces, the heavy-lift capability facilitates salvaging the platform as a single piece. The primary benefit is increasing safety by reducing the number of high-risk diving activities, but substantial cost savings can be realized by reducing the number of lifts and shortening the decommissioning schedule.

VB-10,000 is the largest lift vessel ever built in the United States. The color and shape of the trusses on VB-10,000 have prompted comparisons to the famed McDonald's signature Golden Arches.

Design capabilities

Each truss is nearly 240 feet (73 m) at its highest point, with a hook height of 178 feet (54 m). The truss sections are decoupled from the motion of the barges by using specially-designed hinges. Each truss has a "wide" side and a "narrow" side, denoting the relative footprint of the truss-to-barge connection. The "wide" side is essentially pinned to the barge with a single degree of freedom (rotational). The "narrow" side has the specially-designed double joint allowing two rotational degrees of freedom. Each barge has one narrow and one wide interface. The hinges use Trelleborg AB Orkot bearings, a composite material which provide a longer life and lowered maintenance compared to the lubricated bronze bearings used in Bottom Feeder.

Once the wreck has been lifted clear of the water, there is 160 feet (49 m) of clearance between the two barge hulls for a separate cargo barge to enter. The load may be placed onto the separate barge for transportation. VB-10,000 is capable of lifting 7,500 short tons (6,800 t) in a single lift, nearly doubling the 4,000-short-ton (3,600 t) capacity of its predecessor.

Each barge is approximately 300 feet (91 m) long by 72 feet (22 m) in beam, and each barge carries four 1,000 horsepower (750 kW) dynamic positioning thrusters for station keeping without anchors and mooring lines. The dynamic positioning system is rated to class 3 standards (ABS Class DPS-3).

Versabar developed "The Claw" at Chevron's request. "The Claw" is a gantry-suspended submersible grappling device designed to retrieve sunken debris without sending divers to attach rigging. Each gantry on VB-10,000 can support a single Claw, and each Claw is capable of lifting 2,000 short tons (1,800 t) from locations as deep as 350 feet (110 m) underwater. The total lifting capacity of a single Claw is 3,000 short tons (2,700 t), but the claw itself weighs 1,000 short tons (910 t). Initial sketches for the Claw were developed in December 2010, and the Claw was first deployed in August 2011.

History

Construction

Bottom Feeder lifted more than 60,000 short tons (54,000 t) during more than 100 subsea lift operations in its first four seasons of operation. Upon reviewing the operating experience and refit plans, Versabar realized that modifications to increase hook height and lifting capacity of Bottom Feeder would be better accomplished with a completely new build. However, the larger trusses planned for VB-10,000 each weighed 3,400 short tons (3,100 t), meaning that each truss would have to be built in two separate sections and then mated together, as none of the cranes at the yard were capable of lifting a completed truss. Falsework was used to support one section while the two sections were welded together, and self-propelled modular transporters moved the trusses onto one barge. Once the trusses were secured to one barge, the transporters were moved to the other half of the trusses to move them onto the second barge. After construction was complete, each gantry was proof tested with a 2,740-short-ton (2,490 t) load. VB-10,000 was towed from the yard on 7 October 2010.

Versabar announced that preliminary design work on a larger successor for operations outside the Gulf of Mexico was under way in April 2015.

Operations

VB-10,000 performed its first lift on 9 October 2010, a 1,530-short-ton (1,390 t) topside and jacket which had toppled during a storm at Vermilion 285. Approximately a week later, VB-10,000 retrieved a 2,500-short-ton (2,300 t) topside which had been damaged by fire.

The Claw was used in 20 lift projects during its first year of deployment.

References

  1. ^ US granted 7527006, Khachaturian, Jon, "Marine lifting apparatus", published 5 May 2009, issued 5 May 2009, assigned to Khachaturian, Jon 
  2. US granted 8960114, Khachaturian, Jon, "Marine lifting apparatus", issued 31 May 2012, assigned to Khachaturian, Jon 
  3. Paganie, David (August 2007). "Versabar invention lifts submerged topsides in one piece". Offshore. 67 (8). Retrieved 14 July 2016.
  4. Tresaugue, Matthew (7 May 2014). "Safety, cost driving new technology for removing rigs". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved 1 August 2016.
  5. Buchanan, Susan (21 August 2012). "Push Is On To Declutter Gulf of Idle Iron". Maritime Reporter. Retrieved 14 July 2016.
  6. Dennis, Lew (2012). "Risk Reduction in Offshore Decommissioning: Chevron's Success in the Gulf of Mexico" (PDF). cablejoints.co.uk. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 July 2016. Retrieved 1 August 2016. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  7. ^ "VB 10,000". Versabar. 2013. Retrieved 14 July 2016.
  8. "Golden arches causing a stir in the Gulf". The Lafourche Gazette. 4 October 2013. Retrieved 1 August 2016.
  9. "The Versabar VB 10,000 (blog)". International Marine Consultancy. 5 January 2012. Retrieved 1 August 2016.
  10. ^ "The Articulating Joint". Versabuoy. 2011. Retrieved 14 July 2016.
  11. ^ "New heavy lift vessel deploys in Gulf". Offshore. 71 (1). January 2011. Retrieved 14 July 2016.
  12. Trelleborg, AB (3 January 2013). "Versabar's Claw Gets a Grip on Marine Salvage". Product Design and Development. Retrieved 14 July 2016.
  13. Devine, Peter (5 July 2011). "The Removal of Green Canyon 6A By Versabar's VB-10000" (PDF). rickblog.biz. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 July 2016. Retrieved 1 August 2016. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  14. "Coastal Lift Specialist Doubles Size of Its Marine Workhorse". Engineering News-Record. 22 June 2011. Retrieved 14 July 2016.(subscription required)
  15. "Portable dynamic positioning system" (PDF). Thrustmaster of Texas. 2014. Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 September 2014. Retrieved 1 August 2016. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  16. Rutledge, Tanya (2 May 2012). "The Claw Is A Grabber Of A Product (blog)". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved 1 August 2016.
  17. Schott, Cassie (March 2012). "The Claw: Innovation In Offshore Salvage Operations". Ocean News & Technology. 18 (2): 30–32. Retrieved 14 July 2016.
  18. McCulley, Russell (1 January 2012). "Jaws of steel". Offshore Engineer. Retrieved 14 July 2016.
  19. "US' Versabar develops larger lifting unit for global market". Decomworld. 29 April 2015. Retrieved 14 July 2016.
  20. Tresauge, Matthew; Pickrell, Emily (3 May 2012). "New market for dismantling old rigs results in 'The Claw' (blog)". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved 1 August 2016.

External links

Category: