NOV, a provider of offshore drilling and production equipment, has introduced the Quick Connector, which has been developed by NOV’s subsidiary GustoMSC.

According to its developers, the Quick Connector is designed to enhance the safety and efficiency of offshore lifting operations across the offshore energy industry.

Source: NOV

The Quick connector is intended for projects - like oil and gas – which require installation and maintenance strategies that contend with strong winds, high waves and turbulent seas.

Likewise, installing and maintaining offshore wind farms involves complex operations that require precise and secure lifting of various, increasingly larger components, such as turbine blades, towers and foundations.

The installation of the assorted components requires the use of several tools underneath the lower block. For the change-out of these tools in harsh and dynamic environments, safety and efficiency are paramount, the company explained.

The Quick Connector is said to offer a secure and reliable connection between the crane’s lower block and the tools underneath. Its ability to connect and disconnect components reduced downtime and labor costs, and enhances overall efficiency.

Most importantly, the company claims that the remotely operated Quick Connector improves operational safety by eliminating the need for on-deck personnel to make the sling connection between the hook and tool during each tool change-out. Its integrated lower block design removes the need for rigging and enables a higher lifting height.

By integrating the pin with latches into the lower block, the tool connects with the corresponding sockets, creating a secure and fail-safe lift.