By combining well-proven MacGregor Pusnes technology in bow loading and offloading systems, MacGregor, part of Cargotec, has helped to develop a solution that enables crude oil to be loaded directly from a floating production storage offloading (FPSO) facility or a floating storage offloading (FSO) unit to a conventional tanker, up to very large crude carrier (VLCC) size. The first contracts for the systems have been signed with China's Cosco Shipyard Group.
 
"MacGregor, and its Pusnes brand, has a long history of developing pioneering offshore loading systems within the industry," says Høye Høyesen, Vice President, MacGregor Advanced Offshore Solutions. "Based on this legacy, MacGregor was invited by Cefront Technology, who developed the concept, to participate in the design and development of the loading systems."
 
The Cosco Shipyard Group orders will see MacGregor design, manufacture, deliver and commission complete Pusnes loading systems for two cargo transfer (CTV) vessels. The vessels will be built at Cosco Nantong Shipyard and at Cosco Guangdong Shipyard. MacGregor deliveries are planned to start at the end of 2016.
 
Each vessel will feature MacGregor's well-known Pusnes bow loading and offloading system, which principally comprises: two Pusnes bow loading systems, one Pusnes offloading system, including the world's largest crude oil hose reel with offloading hose; and two sets of Pusnes-patented releasable 700-tonne hawser winches, in addition to auxiliary winches and an integrated electro/hydraulic control system.
 
"MacGregor is proud of its long and close relationship with Cosco shipyards in China," he adds. "The Cosco Shipyard Group is an important partner for the future and has proved to be a strong player in the merchant and offshore industries."
 
MacGregor has previously delivered four sets of Pusnes bow loading systems to Cosco Nantong Shipyard and two sets to Cosco Zhoushan Shipyard, of which, one project is still ongoing. In addition to these MacGregor has delivered a range of deck machinery and steering gear to different Cosco shipyards.