Graduation assignment – Dynamic Load Failure Testing of Steel Wire Ropes

Your role in the story

Are you a final-year student with a passion for offshore engineering and looking for a graduation assignment that makes real impact? Join us and become part of a team that works on complex and large-scale offshore projects within one of our engineering disciplines. Kick-start your career with a graduation project in the heart of Structural Engineering. As a graduation student, you’ll dive into a challenging assignment that contributes directly to our operations, innovation efforts, or future developments. You'll be guided by experienced engineers and exposed to the practical world of offshore engineering, from concept development to project execution.

What’s the challenge

Normally, the failure mechanism and ultimate strength of wire rope slings are tested under static load. In reality the failure might occur for example due to a falling object connected to the sling. We would like to design a dynamic load failure test for this, so Heerema Marine Contractors can gain better understanding of the differences in failure mode between static and dynamic load scenarios. This will potentially drive the safety of fail safe mechanisms in offshore operations.

Your mission & goals

Research questions or key goals:

• Make a test setup in which we can let a varying mass fall into a sling
• Literature study on the design load for a wire rope
• Draft test set up design and bill of material

What you’ll gain

• Knowledge in Experimental Design and Offshore Safety Engineering
• Insight into structural behavior of steel wire ropes

Is this you?

• You are currently pursuing or have recently completed an HBO degree in Civil, Mechanical, or Maritime Engineering
• You have a strong interest in offshore heavy lifting, installation techniques, and sustainability
• You have basic knowledge of structural engineering and experimental techniques, with an understanding of dynamic behavior, experience with CAD software is a plus
• You have a good command of English, Dutch is a bonus
• You are independent, analytical, and curious by nature

Practical Information

Start date: September 2025

Duration: flexible upon agreement

Location: Leiden Office

What we offer

• A challenging and meaningful assignment aligned with your study goals;
• Guidance from senior engineers and project leads;
• An innovative work environment with access to cutting-edge tools and infrastructure;
• A monthly internship allowance;
• Opportunities for future career steps within our company (internship as a stepping stone).

Ready to graduate with impact? Apply now and take the first step toward your offshore engineering career!

We are looking forward to hearing from you. We are interested in your CV, but we mainly want to find out more about your ambitions, your personality, and what is your motivation to succeed. So be sure to include a brief cover letter explaining why you are the perfect fit for this graduation assignment. 

So hit the button, apply, and make the impossible possible with Heerema. We’d love to meet you!