With a crucial LNG complex in Arzew, Algeria scheduled for a planned maintenance shutdown, Sarens was asked to work within tight deadlines to replace a flare boom fire nozzle at 130-metre heights.

Sonatrach’s GL3Z complex is a key element of the LNG production chain, and because it has a significant impact on Algeria’s economy, any shutdown is extremely consequential. That is why the Sarens team had to adhere to a strict shutdown schedule: with the flare nozzles turned off for four days, Sarens’ window to complete the job would be scheduled within this critical period.

Sarens was chosen for this project due to our excellent working relationship with Sonatrach: we already had a lifting engineering contract for the GNL3 unit at the complex, and had developed plans for replacing the flare boom fire nozzles so were familiar with the operation’s parameters. Crucially, we also had the right crane for the job: a large CC2800-1 with a main boom and fly jib that would be essential for operating at 130-metre heights. 

To prepare for the project, Sarens transported the crane from another site: a task that involved 30 truck rotations over the course of a week. The team spent five days assembling it into SWSL configuration with 84-metre main boom and 72m fly jib. The CC2800-1 then crawled to the lift position by crossing a new, wide pier that Sarens had requested be built in order to make the operation possible. 

Adhering strictly to the client’s schedule, Sarens got to work replacing the three-tonne flare boom fire nozzle, which measured 130 metres high and had a radius of 40 metres. The crane was operational for two days within the four-day shutdown window, in which the work was completed safely and successfully despite occasional high winds and the realities of working next to the sea.

“Shutdown projects are always special; clients have very little time, and stress sets in at the site. Our job is to reassure the project team and complete the work safely and on time,” said crawler crane supervisor Cherif Laib.

To celebrate the successful lift, the client organised a reception and brought cakes for the team, including the seven crew members who were involved. Sarens would like to thank our client as well as everyone who made this project such a success!