Offshore Lifting Beams
Design, Certification and Applications in Marine Lifting
Offshore lifting beams are engineered lifting devices designed to safely distribute loads during offshore crane operations. Used in offshore wind installation, marine construction, and oil & gas projects, offshore lifting beams help control load distribution, maintain lifting stability, and protect lifting points when handling large or complex structures.
Unlike general lifting equipment, offshore lifting beams must meet strict engineering standards, documentation requirements, and certification processes to ensure safe operation in high-risk marine environments. These lifting systems are commonly designed and tested in accordance with recognised offshore lifting standards.
This guide explains how offshore lifting beams work, the standards that govern their design, and where they are commonly used in offshore projects.
What Are Offshore Lifting Beams?
An offshore lifting beam is a below-the-hook lifting device designed to distribute loads safely between multiple lifting points during crane operations.
They are typically used when lifting:
offshore wind turbine components
subsea structures
marine infrastructure
heavy steel modules
prefabricated offshore equipment
By distributing load forces across multiple connection points, lifting beams help prevent structural stress, uneven loading, and damage to the lifted structure.
Offshore lifting beams are commonly used alongside lifting slings, shackles, and rigging assemblies to create controlled lifting arrangements for large or complex loads.
Why Offshore Lifting Beams Are Required
Offshore lifting operations involve unique risks compared to onshore lifts.
These include:
dynamic crane loads caused by vessel movement
wind and wave forces affecting suspended loads
limited lifting space on offshore structures
complex multi-point lifting configurations
For these reasons, lifting equipment used offshore must be specifically designed and certified to handle these additional forces.
Purpose-built offshore lifting beams provide:
controlled load distribution
improved lifting stability
reduced structural stress on lifted components
safer multi-point lifting arrangements
Offshore Lifting Beam Design Considerations
Engineering lifting beams for offshore use requires careful structural design and verification.
Key factors considered during design include:
Load Distribution
The beam must distribute loads evenly across lifting points to prevent overloading individual connections.
Structural Strength
The beam must withstand bending forces, compression forces, and dynamic load conditions during lifting.
Environmental Conditions
Offshore equipment must withstand corrosion, marine environments, and extreme weather exposure
Rigging Compatibility
Offshore lifting beams must be compatible with shackles, slings, and rigging used in marine lifting operations.
Offshore Lifting Standards and Certification
Offshore lifting equipment must comply with strict industry standards that ensure safe operation.
One of the most widely recognised standards for offshore lifting appliances is:
DNV-ST-0378
DNV-ST-0378 is the offshore standard governing the design, fabrication, testing, and certification of lifting equipment used in marine environments.
This standard ensures lifting beams meet requirements relating to:
structural strength
safety factors
traceability of materials
proof load testing
documentation and certification
DNV Type Approval confirms that a lifting beam design has been independently verified for use in offshore lifting operations.
Applications of Offshore Lifting Beams
Offshore lifting beams are widely used across energy and marine construction sectors.
Common applications include:
Offshore wind installation
Lifting beams are used to install:
monopiles
transition pieces
turbine tower sections
nacelles
offshore foundations
Marine Construction
Offshore lifting beams assist with installing large structural components such as:
bridge structures
subsea frames
marine infrastructure modules
Oil and Gas Projects
Heavy modules, processing equipment, and subsea assemblies often require controlled lifting arrangements using engineered lifting beams.
Modular Offshore Lifting Beams
Many offshore lifting operations require flexible lifting solutions that can adapt to different load sizes and lifting configurations.
Modular spreader beam systems allow engineers to configure lifting beams in multiple lengths and lifting arrangements using interchangeable components.
This makes modular systems particularly suitable for offshore projects where lifting requirements vary between lifts.
Multisec modular spreader beams are designed to support these types of operations with configurable lifting spans and engineered load distribution.
Choosing the Right Offshore Lifting Beam
Selecting the correct lifting beam depends on several key factors.
Engineers typically consider:
total load weight
lifting point positions
crane capacity
required lifting span
environmental conditions
certification requirements
Custom lifting beams may be required when standard lifting equipment cannot safely support the lift configuration.
Offshore Lifting Solutions from Multisec
Multisec designs and manufactures engineered lifting equipment used in heavy lifting operations worldwide.
Our modular spreader beam systems are designed to support complex lifting configurations in onshore and offshore projects, providing flexible lifting solutions for engineers and contractors.
Explore our lifting equipment ranges:
Frequently Asked Questions
An offshore lifting beam is a below-the-hook lifting device used to distribute loads between lifting points during offshore crane operations.
Offshore lifting beams are commonly designed and certified in accordance with DNV-ST-0378, the offshore lifting appliance standard.
They help distribute loads safely, control lifting forces, and maintain stability when lifting large offshore structures.