New Tensioners offer advanced flex-lay capabilities
04 JUNE 2025
Tensioner investment expands Motive flex-lay fleet
Motive has long been committed to delivering an offshore rental fleet that continually innovates and evolves, in-step with the changing needs of our clients.
The latest fleet investment sees Motive add various Tensioners
ranging from 5 - 20Te WLL, and capable of handling product up to 600mm in diameter. Additional new-build assets include 350Te Crane Loaded Under-rollers, Hydraulic Power Units, Control Cabins, Toolboxes, and Remote Control Stations.
Addressing the growing complexity of offshore projects is central to Motive’s fleet innovation strategy. As projects demand increasingly larger and more capable SURF and cable handling equipment, the industry has witnessed significant challenges due to the scarcity of efficient and specialised solutions, threatening project timelines and cost-effectiveness.
Introducing new Vertical Pivotable Tensioners
Demonstrating its resolve to incorporate new assets that lead with innovation, the latest fleet expansion sees Motive introduce a vertical twin-track tensioner with ‘break back’ design to its portfolio.
The new ‘Vertical Pivotable Tensioners’ are designed to offer advanced capabilities in the deployment and recovery of a broad range of flexible pipe, umbilicals, and steel pipe ranging from 50mm to 600mm in diameter.
Featuring a fixed lower track, the upper track can move vertically via a bushed sliding cassette on chrome bars, with four hydraulic cylinders providing the necessary track grip force.
To aid operational efficiency, the upper track assembly can pivot out of the operational path to allow easy vertical loading of the tensioner.
This latest fleet addition follows Motive’s integration of Aquatic equipment last year which included 50Te and 65Te WLL 4-track Tensioners, Horizontal Lay Systems, and Reel Drive Systems up to 500Te WLL.
Consolidated Rentals Hub in Peterhead
Part of its strategic investment strategy includes the ongoing development of the Motive base in Peterhead - a primely positioned Scottish loadout port - purchased as part of Motive’s acquisition of Aquatic. The company has made a significant investment to refurbish the Peterhead facility due for completion by the end of 2025, creating a key hub for offshore equipment and testing services.
By consolidating loadouts, testing, and operations into a single, redeveloped facility, clients in the global offshore energy sector – from oil and gas to renewables – can benefit from faster turnaround times and seamlessly integrated solutions for enhanced efficiency.
This design-build project marks a significant step forward for the Motive Tensioner range. Integrating 'break back' functionality for the first time helps proactively address some key cable handling challenges faced by our clients.
Our Manufacturing and Design teams have really risen to the occasion, collaborating closely to ensure a smooth and efficient transition into production.
- Ben Coutts, Manufacturing Director @ Motive Offshore Group
From a rental perspective, the integration of a moveable upper track functionality to these new tensioners is a welcome development.
It directly addresses a key concern for our clients - ease of use and minimising downtime on-site. Features that simplify operations and reduce the likelihood of product damage align perfectly with our commitment to offering reliable and user-friendly equipment that ensures greater safety and productivity for our clients.
We're excited to add these new tensioners to our portfolio and highlight this valuable feature.