The heave compensator is a key system for trailing suction hopper systems to cope with the challenging marine environment. It performs three key functions:
Heave compensation: It offsets vertical vessel motion caused by waves (up to 2-5 meters) in real time, maintaining pipeline system stability.
Constant tension maintenance: It controls ground pressure fluctuations of the drag head to within ±5%, ensuring stable cutting efficiency.
Shock load absorption: It reduces dynamic loads by 60-80%, protecting pipelines and the ship's structure.