One of the world’s largest portal cranes collapsed at the Odense shipyard as a small hurricane blew across Denmark on Friday 3 December. Wind speeds of more than 180km/h caused havoc, also bringing down houses, trees and power lines.
The 1,000t-capacity crane, owned by Maersk, measured 80m high and 100m wide. Although it is thought to have been properly secured, wind caused connecting bolts to fracture on two legs at one end of the crane. The structure collapsed onto a nearly-built container vessel which Maersk was due to take over within weeks. The vessel now needs extensive repairs to damaged hull sections.
No one was injured in the collapse, which occurred during the lunch break.
In the wake of the hurricane the crane was left with its two remaining legs in the dry dock and the gantry bent over the ship’s hull.
More than 2,200 workers were temporarily dismissed, with the event deemed a ‘force majeure’. When agreeing labour laws in the past, neither unions nor employers had considered the consequences of the plant being fully booked for work but unable to operate.
Within 48 hours Mammoet Engineering & Innovation had been given the contract to remove and scrap the crane. With the wrecked crane weighing more than 2,000t, Mammoet brought its MSG 50 sliding gantry system onto the site.
In addition, Mammoet Stoof was awarded a contract for all heavy lifts at the yard until a new portal crane is delivered. Mammoet will have four Demag CC 2800s at the dock for at least a year.
Cost of a replacement portal crane has been estimated to be in excess of $30m. Fortunately, said the yard’s managing director John Skov Hansen, full insurance cover was in place.
