German-Based Menck Spotlighted for Deepwater Pildriving System

Menck GmbH

Menck is the first recipient of the annual Ben C. Gerwick award for innovation in design and construction of marine works for its MUP (Menck underwater power pack) deepwater piledriving system.

The Menck deepwater system has set record after record for depth in foundation piledriving; to date it has been used to drive piles as deep as 1929 m (6329 ft), and the goal is to go deeper. Utilising a MHU hydraulic piledriving hammer, the MUP system includes a special power pack attached directly to the hammer and a custom-made umbilical system.

Delivering electric power at the hammer reduces the size and weight of the umbilical cable connecting the hammer to the surface. "This innovation enables efficient energy transfer to the hammer, offers easier handling of the umbilical and reduces the environmental risk," said Pieter van Luipen, senior project manager at Menck.

The award, which aims to recognize outstanding achievement in marine construction, is named after the late Ben C. Gerwick Jr, a renowned civil engineer and pioneer in maritime construction. Heerema Marine Contractors nominated Menck, and, after careful consideration by the international panel, the company was presented with the award at a ceremony in San Francisco, USA, in September.

"It was an honor to receive this award, which represents the technology and quality that Menck stands for. We will continue to push the limits of offshore piledriving," said van Luipen, who accepted the award on behalf of Menck.
 


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