Tensioning

Pipe Lay Tensioner

A 35 MT four-track, electric-drive tensioner for S-lay, J-lay and reel-lay pipeline installation, supplied as a 2-unit tandem package for high-tension lay vessels.

35 MTMax pull per unit
0 – 1,200 m/hrLaying speed
Ø 50 – 400 mmProduct diameter
4 × 55 kWVFD electric drive
Specification

One featured build

Engineered for high continuous tension, abrasive pipe coatings and 24/7 offshore duty. Final specification is project-dependent and confirmed during FEED.

35 MT four-track electric-drive pipe lay tensioner, render
Featured build · 2-unit package

35 MT Four-Track Electric Drive

  • 4 diagonal tracks
  • 4 × 55 kW VFD
  • Hinged upper tracks
  • 2-unit tandem

Four diagonally-mounted carriages run polyurethane V-shaped pads over a 5.5 m contact length. The lower tracks are frame-fixed and the upper tracks ride on squeeze cylinders, giving active clamping on coated pipe.

  • 140 t squeeze and 26 t/m grip over a 5.5 m track contact
  • Pad profiles selectable by product diameter, 50 – 400 mm
  • ≈ 65.2 t per unit, 8.15 × 2.45 × 3.53 m
  • Mobilises as a tandem pair on high-tension lay vessels
Full specification
Max pull (pay-out, idler end)35 MT
Laying speed0 – 1,200 m/hr
Number of tracks4
Track contact length≈ 5.5 m
Friction coefficient0.15 nominal
Max track squeeze140 t nominal
Max grip force26 t/m nominal
Track opening20 – 400 mm nominal
Product diameter capacity50 – 400 mm nominal
Tensioner weight≈ 65.2 t
Tensioner dimensions (L × W × H)8.15 × 2.45 × 3.53 m approx
Motor rating4 × 55 kW, 3-phase, 690 VAC, 60 Hz
Drive typeVariable-frequency electric drive
GearboxPlanetary
PLCSiemens / Rockwell / Schneider
HMI / remoteLocal HMI panel + quick-connect cable remote
Platform

Built into every unit

Load-tested at FAT and class-approved, then supported by the Dimension commissioning and operations crew.

Closed-loop tension control

PLC-controlled auto tension hold between 0 – 35 t, with reduced set-points at ≤ 20% accuracy de-rating.

Electric VFD drive

Variable-frequency motors with planetary gearboxes. No hydraulic power pack is needed for the tracks.

Active clamping

Frame-fixed lower tracks and upper tracks on squeeze cylinders grip the product evenly.

Quadrant by-pass

Hinged upper tracks allow quadrant by-pass and top loading without breaking the product.

Open one-side frame

One open side for fast deck loading of the product and quick pad change-out.

Local + remote control

Local HMI panel plus quick-connect cable remote for operation from the control cabin.

Build Views

From layout to class approval

Renders of the featured build. Each pipe-lay tensioner goes through layout planning, integrated pipe-load analysis, equipment and tensioner FAT, and class approval before it reaches the shipyard.

Package
35 MT Four-Track Electric-Drive
Supply
2-unit tandem package
Lay methods
S-lay, J-lay, reel-lay
Class
DNV-OS-F101 / API RP 17B, project-specific
Applications
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