How a High-Tech Rope and Smart Winches Are Revolutionizing Ultra-Deep-Water Operations
In the unforgiving environment of ultra-deep-water offshore operations, precision isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. That’s why when Parkburn Precision Handling Systems and Scantrol AS teamed up to upgrade Stabbert Maritime Group’s Ocean Guardian, they didn’t just aim for incremental improvements. They redefined reliability.
A Partnership Built for the Depths
Parkburn, known for its winching and cable handling expertise in marine, industrial, and oil & gas sectors, joined forces with Scantrol, a specialist in active heave compensation (AHC) technology. The collaboration, solidified by a 2021 OEM agreement, integrated Scantrol’s mTrack AHC Controller into Parkburn’s winch packages—a move that has since paid off in spades.
“The mTrack AHC Controller isn’t just another piece of hardware—it’s the brain behind the brawn,” says an industry insider. “With over 300 systems deployed globally, its adaptability is unmatched.”
The Rope That Could Take the Heat
One of the project’s biggest challenges? Finding a fibre rope that could endure deck temperatures exceeding 40°C while maintaining flawless spooling under extreme loads—or none at all. The solution came in the form of Hampidjan’s Advants TechIce rope, a hybrid of Technora and Dyneema fibers engineered for resilience.
“The TechIce rope didn’t just meet specs—it exceeded them,” says Marty Day of Team Trident, who oversaw the system’s performance. “Even in active heave mode, the spooling remained precise, and the AHC’s speed control was flawless.”
Why This Matters Beyond the Ocean Guardian
This two-year success story isn’t just a win for Stabbert Maritime. It’s a blueprint for the future of deep-water operations. By combining Parkburn’s mechanical prowess with Scantrol’s cutting-edge AHC technology—and backing it with advanced materials like TechIce—the industry now has a proven template for tackling extreme conditions.
As offshore projects push into deeper, harsher environments, partnerships like this one will be the difference between failure and a flawless operation. And for the Ocean Guardian, the future looks anything but rocky.
