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Compressorframes, Northstream-project

Compressorframes, Northstream-project

Trusteel Industrie

High-Cube Lifting Frames

The Northstream project, the major gas pipeline connecting Russia and Germany, required precision engineering and reliable offshore support. During pipeline installation, the pipes are filled with water to ensure they sink in a controlled manner to the seabed. Once the pipeline is in place, the water must be removed to dry the pipes and prepare them for operation. Compressor units are used for this process.

Baker Hughes was looking for a partner capable of supplying these compressor units with strong, safe and compact frames that would allow them to be transported, stacked and protected efficiently.

The Start of the Collaboration

Baker Hughes wanted to equip forty compressor units, divided into two batches of twenty, with intelligently designed frames that met the stringent requirements for offshore use. Compactness was essential, as deck space on offshore vessels is extremely valuable. The smaller and more efficient the frame, the more units could be transported.

At the same time, the units needed to remain easily accessible for onboard servicing, while the structure had to provide sufficient protection against harsh marine conditions. The additional requirements for stackable frames and a modular intermediate platform further increased the engineering challenge.

Our Role: Frame Design, Engineering and Manufacturing

TruSteel Industry developed the complete frames that house the compressor units. We were responsible for the design, structural calculations, detailed engineering and full manufacturing process.

The finished frames are compact and fully certified in accordance with DNV 2.7-1. Their intelligent design allows the compressor units to be stacked safely, transported efficiently and kept readily accessible for maintenance work. The frames provide all-round protection, creating a robust and secure enclosure for the equipment without compromising accessibility.

Collaboration Focused on Quality and Reliability

This project stands out for its combination of compact engineering, stringent offshore requirements and serial production. Several frames were delivered each week, with every unit meeting the same high standards of quality and certification.

The collaboration with Baker Hughes ran smoothly, with both parties focused on efficiency and reliability. The result is a series of durable, stackable and fully certified compressor frames used worldwide in pipeline maintenance operations.