Mammoet moves port crane

Originally, the request was to load out the port crane on to a barge and ship it to its new location. This was because port operators positioned between Termont’s two terminals had safety concerns about moving the crane through their properties.

Knowing the in-land option would be the fastest and most cost-effective solution, Mammoet worked closely with the client for over a year to help the negotiation process with the neighbouring port operators.

Mammoet provided an execution plan to show the in-land relocation would cause minimal impact to neighbouring businesses, ultimately resulting in the permission to carry out the plan. This eliminated the need for any barge operations, which saved time, cost, risk and effort.

Once this was granted, Mammoet reacted with only two weeks’ notice to source and mobilise equipment. This included sourcing 200 wooden mats for load spreading to ensure there was no damage caused to the neighbouring properties. The team also had to account for an underground tunnel, which was protected using steel ramps.

The job was completed on a Saturday to minimise disruption to business activities. The 700-ton crane was placed on customised transport beams and 48 lines of SPMTs, which manoeuvred the crane safely and smoothly through the congested route.

Their turning radius and easy access meant less preparation was required to move sea containers along the path of the busy port, saving even more time. Overall the move was completed within eight hours, only two of which the crane was located on the neighbouring properties.