Subsea 7 – Max. Performance in the Scottish Highlands
Two Liebherr RL 64 pipelayers set new standards for pipeline construction on the North Sea.
At Subsea 7's Wester Site pipeline construction facility in the far northeast of Scotland, new standards are being set. Pipeline bundles have established themselves as an innovative solution for the installation of offshore pipelines. To ensure the precise handling of these bundles, the globally leading company has strategically expanded its machinery fleet. For the first time in the United Kingdom, two Liebherr RL 64 pipelayers are in operation – setting new benchmarks for lifting capacity and precision in an environment as stunning as it is demanding.
At its Wick facility, just a few miles south of John O'Groats, Subsea 7 specialises in the installation of technically demanding pipeline bundles, in which multiple service pipes and cables are integrated within a single carrier pipe with outer diameters of up to 56 inches. This configuration is essential for transporting oil and gas from the seabed to the rigs. Since 1978, the site has completed over 70 installations, including a world-record bundle of 7.6 km in length – soon to be surpassed by the 7.7 km Enochdhu project.
Assembly and launching of these bundles, which can reach total weights exceeding 10,000 tonnes, demand a machinery fleet defined by absolute reliability. Following a successful field trial, Subsea 7 invested in two RL 64 pipelayers – the largest models in the Liebherr range. The RL 64 is a highly specialised machine from the Liebherr factory in Telfs (Austria/Tyrol). For maximum stability, the track frames were extended by 100 mm and the track gauge widened by 300 mm. Combined with 914 mm wide track pads, this provides a large footprint that reduces ground pressure while maintaining the tractive effort needed for heavy steel structures.
It's compact, but it pushes far harder than its size suggests, and the build quality is exactly what we expect from Liebherr.
About our Pipelayers
At the heart of the RL 64 is the infinitely variable, proven hydrostatic drive – a hallmark of Liebherr crawler machines. This drive concept enables smooth, stepless manoeuvring, essential for the precise positioning of pipe sections along the site's 28 km of railway lines. The machine is powered by a 12-litre Liebherr D946 turbocharged diesel engine delivering 275 kW (374 hp). The fully hydraulic boom with a single cylinder lifts the load via a hydraulic winch with 100 m of cable. An adjustable 15.8-tonne counterweight ensures the necessary stability throughout.
Beyond the pipelayers, Subsea 7 relies on additional Liebherr machines across its operations. A Liebherr L 566 wheel loader fitted with a quick hitch and rear towing bracket serves as a versatile multi-purpose vehicle. For site maintenance and drainage in the heavy Scottish rain, a Liebherr A 312 mobile excavator has proven exceptionally reliable. General Manager Willie Watt emphasises: "Reliability is key for our operations. The Liebherr products are second to none, and the support from the Aberdeen service branch has been excellent." When the finished bundle is ready, the 10,000-tonne structure is pulled down a 240 m slipway into the North Sea – supported by the new Liebherr fleet.
