ALE

Ballasting

A range of hydraulic submersible ballast and de-ballast pumps enable ALE to perform very high capacity barge ballasting operations. In fact, we regularly provide ballast and de-ballast systems capable of up to 60,000 Cu.m/h. Our ballasting systems are fully computer monitored and may be used together with our state-of-the-art skidding equipment to perform sophisticated load-out operations. Control of these systems can be offered at two levels: locally, via the panel on each hydraulic power pack, or remotely, using in-house designed software. 

Find out more about our ballasting capabilities by visiting ALE online. 

Engineering

The R&D team at ALE consists of more than 100 highly trained and vastly experienced engineers, who over the years have developed some of the world’s finest heavy lifting equipment. We pride ourselves on our technical ingenuity, and strive for innovation at all levels. It’s this ethos that has helped make ALE one of the world’s leading heavy load handlers. Our mega-jack system and SK190 and SK350 cranes are just a few recent examples of record-breaking, standard-setting engineering solutions that demonstrate our commitment to innovation and progress. 

Find out more about our engineering abilities by visiting ALE online. 

Heavy Crane Lifting

We operate a large and varied fleet of heavy cranes with load capacities ranging from 200 to 1,600te. The range includes some of the largest and latest technology equipment in the world, and it allows us to meet the needs of most modern-day projects. Our cranes, which include crawler and pedestal types, are based in strategic locations worldwide, enabling ALE to provide an efficient and cost-effective solution, minimising mobilisation time and maximising use. 

More information on our cranes and their lifting capacities can be found on the ALE website. 

Jacking

ALE’s jacking systems offer a cost-effective lifting and pulling solution for the fabrication and load-out of offshore jackets, platforms and modules. We have a range of strand jacks covering lifting requirements from 15te to 900te, as well as a newly-developed, 50,000 tonne capacity mega-jack system that enables jacking of large structures from a low elevation up to 30 metres. Though originally developed to assist with the onshore fabrication of increasingly large and heavy topside platforms used in the offshore industry, the versatility of our industry-leading mega-jack means it has great potential for use in other markets as well. It has both light and heavy jacking modes, and its modular set-up means it can easily be adapted for other applications.

Lifting

ALE can provide specialist lifting services to virtually all markets. Our strong heritage in engineering and innovation means we are well placed to take on even the most complex and intricate lifting projects. We have a team of experienced multidisciplinary engineers who are able to tailor make solutions for all kinds of lifting operations. This could be a bespoke gantry system, hydraulic lift system, modular tower system or strand jack system. Whatever your lifting requirements, ALE can provide a solution.

Load-In and Load-Out

ALE has loaded-out more than 1,000 structures in the space of just 30 years, which makes us the leading authority on load-out systems for platforms and jackets. Our specialist equipment allows modules to be transported hundreds of metres to the load-out quay so that several modules can be built at the production facility without impeding access to the quay. Of course, this also means that multiple load-outs can be performed from a single load-out point. The result is minimum site disruption and maximum operating efficiency. Find out more about our load-in and load-out services by visiting ALE online.

Logistics

Whether it’s supporting a single import or export job or managing a complete end-to-end project, ALE can offer a tailored service solution in which all of our departments and offices across the world work seamlessly together to execute your delivery as expeditiously and cost-effectively as possible. We’ll handle the project from start to finish, securing and supervising all cargo, chartering marine vessels or aircraft and performing heavy lift engineering as necessary. We’ll also manage domestic and international road and rail freight and take care of import and export customs requirements as required.

Skidding

ALE was the world’s first company to design, develop and use the hydraulic compensated skid-shoe system. A skid shoe system is designed to make precise horizontal movements, which makes it an effective means of moving plant and structures in confined or restricted areas. Our range includes 25, 50, 300, 500, 650 and 1,000te capacity skid-shoe systems. In certain situations, these can be combined to create a solution for moving more complex loads. In fact, we have used skid-shoe systems to load-out structures weighing as much as 20,000te.

Transportation

With one of the largest fleets of heavy transportation axles and ancillary equipment in the world, ALE is the company to turn to when all others say ‘no’. We assure you it can be done, and with our substantial fleet of latest-generation equipment, operated by a team of highly trained personnel who maintain it to the very highest standard, we’re able to make sure it’s done quickly, safely and cost-efficiently. Furthermore, all of our equipment is strategically located around the world for maximum availability, keeping mobilisation costs to an absolute minimum.

Turnkey Projects

In order to meet the requirements of modern industry, which often demands expertise spanning multiple disciplines such as sea transport, land transport, lifting and installation, ALE has formed a dedicated projects team made up of highly trained engineers, project managers and supervisors who work together to devise turnkey solutions to unique and challenging projects. This enables us to undertake high-value, long-term transportation and installation contracts that require the skills of multiple engineers. Find out more about our turnkey project management services by visiting ALE online.

Weighing

ALE are able to perform weighing operations all over the world and to internationally recognised standards. Our equipment enables us to weigh structures from 10te to 40,000te, and our engineering abilities mean we can fabricate custom equipment for more complex weighing operations if needed. Calibrations are carried out prior to each weighing operation, either at our main equipment base in the UK or onsite using portable calibration rigs. This means we are able to guarantee measurement accuracy to within 0.5% of the total weight of any structure.

Eco Metmast Installation

ALE and steel structure specialists Mercon have teamed up to create EMI, a new concept for the installation of offshore metmasts. EMI allows the monopole foundation and metmast to be installed in one single operation, which not only reduces costs but also minimises disruption to the environment. With EMI there is no need for piles to be driven into the seabed. Instead, the metmast is transported horizontally on a barge and upended to a vertical position using a special frame. It is then lowered to the sea bottom where pumps are used to create an underpressure. This effectively sucks the lower part of the structure into the sea floor, keeping it soundly in position. Find out more about EMI and its environmental benefits by visiting ALE online.

Sectors

ALE provides lifting services across a wide range of industries. Years of on-the-job experience has given us an in-depth understanding of the specific issues, working practices, safety concerns and equipment requirements of each market sector, making us well placed to handle a variety of projects. Key industry sectors served include:

• Civil 
• Minerals and Metals
• Nuclear
• Offshore
• Oil, Gas and Petrochemical
• Ports
• Power Generation
• Renewables
• Shipyards