Ships, like cars, are built in sections, and then brought together for final connection. The difference between a car subassembly and a ship section could be hundreds of tonnes. Shipyards build several large sections, and then weld them together. New 1,000t-capacity transporters manufactured by Scheuerle have improved delivery times, according to
J W Yoon, director of Kilwoo Corp, the Korean dealer for Scheuerle, Sennebogen and Gottwald.
The transporters’ maximum theoretical load is 3,042t without reinforced frame
Each of the 1,000t transporters measures 10m wide and 23m (75ft) long, and is double the capacity of previous generations, Yoon says.
The transporter stands about 1.9m (6ft 3in) high when loaded
Normally the transporters are used to move sections around the yard on their own. Perhaps two or three times a month, when the shipyards need to move a really big section—called a megablock—they link up the transporters side by side to create a mammoth 69m long, 3,000t capacity transporter, according to Yoon. In the future, perhaps four will be able to connect, he adds.
Three transporters work side by side to lift and move a ‘megablock’
Samsung has bought three transporters, and Daewoo has recently purchased its third, Yoon says.
Three megablock transporters ready for link-up
Each transporter has 36 pendulum axles. Each axle has four tyres and can in theory support 33t. The transport platforms travel about 1.9m (6ft 3in) high, and have a total of 700mm (2ft 5in) of vertical lift. Two integral Deutz diesel engines Type BF 8 M1015C produce 381kW (511hp), driving hydrostatically 10 axles with a total force of 1,100kN (247,500lbs). Laden, the transporter crawls at a top speed of 7kph (4mph). There are operators’ cabins on either end. The Scheuerle All-Directional Electronic Steering System (SADESS) controls each axle’s steering. Operators also monitor centre of gravity and weight indication system in the cabin.
The transporters’ maximum theoretical load is 3,042t without reinforced frame Transporters with banner The transporter stands about 1.9m (6ft 3in) high when loaded Megablocks transporter Three transporters work side by side to lift and move a ‘megablock’ Megablock transporters working side by side Three megablock transporters ready for link-up Three megablock transporters ready for link-up The units can be joined up together to offer a larger bearing area and greater carrying capacity Megablocks transporters being connected
