Syncrolift Shiplifts and Transfer Systems

Syncrolift shiplifts and transfer systems

Increasing operating efficiency by reducing dry-docking times ®

Rolls-Royce Syncrolift shiplifts and transfer systems are used to increase efficiency and reduce drying-docking times at many of the world’s leading shipyards. To date some 240 Syncrolifts have been installed in 70 countries. Lifting capacities of these facilities range in size from 150 tonnes to over 25,000 tonnes, and installations well in excess of 60,000 tonnes have been engineered and are practicable.

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Overview Features Benefits Applications

What is a Syncrolift system? ®

A Syncrolift system is simply a large elevator which raises and lowers vessels in and out of the water for dry-docking ashore.

How does the Syncrolift system work? To dock a vessel, the platform and cradle are lowered into the water, and the vessel moved into place over the platform. When in position, the Syncrolift Dockmaster raises the platform, removing the vessel from the water. Work on the vessel can then be done in situ, or the vessel transferred ashore, leaving the Syncrolift available to dock other vessels. On completion, the process is reversed. ®

The modern Syncrolift shiplift is based upon the interaction of several critical features:

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The patented, articulated platform - ensures that shiploads are determinately distributed to respective hoists.

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The hoists - highly refined machines powered by synchronous electric motors.

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The wire ropes - specially built for high strength and long service life.

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The load cells - continuously monitor and display hoist loadings at the control console.

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The ATLAS Dockmaster control system – simple to operate and provides records and analytical data for the Naval Architect, each of these features has been developed through several iterations to form today’s Syncrolift shiplift. They are continually refined and updated to reflect current state-of-the-art technology, and together constitute the world’s most advanced shiplifting system - providing a faster - safer - more profitable - more versatile method of dry-docking.

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Why select a Syncrolift® shiplift? 

Speed of operation - more ships docked per year. For example - one of our larger customers performs over 500 drydocking contracts each year using its single shiplift. Typically some of our units are operated 6 - 10 times daily. A Syncrolift minimises the space required for launching ships at the waterside and the transfer system ensures maximum use of the shore work area.

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Patented ATLAS Dockmaster control system - provides the operator with information about the ship that is being lifted. This information enables the operator to analyse the distribution of the load being lifted, and hence to protect the vessel during the docking operation. No other drydocking system does this. It also provides condition monitoring data on the shiplift, which reduces the requirement for routine maintenance and extends component life.

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Simpler and faster drydocking procedures - requiring fewer personnel and less man hours to successfully drydock vessels. Typically, drydockings take 25 - 50% less time because of the improved access provided for both labour and materials. A Syncrolift requires no prolonged shutdown period for maintenance.

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Long service life - The Syncrolift shiplift system will not lose capacity in future years due to deterioration of inaccessible underwater parts.

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Syncrolift® shiplifts - self-protecting against electrical and structural overloads and self-protecting against operation beyond permissible up and down limits.

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The shiplifts modular design - permits future expansion of the original installation to obtain increased lifting capacity, to provide a dual lifting capacity, to increase platform length or to generally increase the system capabilities.

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Drydock alternative - One Syncrolift shiplift with a transfer system can replace several floating dock or drydock facilities and facilitates the use of modern shipbuilding and/or ship repair techniques, such as modular construction.

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Minimise space - The Syncrolift design minimises space requirements at the waterfront. When combined with our transfer system, multiple work berths can be created to provide efficient and environmentally safe work areas well away from the water. All work can be safely contained without polluting the waterway.

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Shipyard applications Syncrolifts are custom designed to accommodate a wide range of shipbuilding and ship repair activities according to each customer’s exact lifting requirements. No longer limited to shore side berths, customers can maximize productivity and profitability by putting all their property to constructive use. Hundreds of commercial repair and shipbuilding companies throughout the world depend on the proven reliability of Syncrolift for ship repairs, conversion projects and launching new vessels. Other applications A heavy-duty lifting device that is safe, reliable, and able to withstand the corrosive conditions of the marine environment. In addition to shipbuilding and ship repair, Syncrolift technology is also used in many other applications...

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Ramps for ferries Syncrolift technology is also used in ramps for passenger ferries and cargo ships. In areas where very high tidefalls make loading and unloading difficult, a Syncrolift ramp with its precise control mechanisms is an ideal solution.

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Caisson lifts Syncrolift platforms are used for launching concrete caissons for construction of breakwaters, piers, and bridges.

With their high unit lift requirements, caisson lifts can be used for a specific project, and then reconfigured and used as a conventional shiplift.

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Bargelifts The Syncrolift concept is also being developed as an alternative to canal locks. Because of its simple design, it is a cheaper alternative to traditional locks and offers several environmental benefits.