The remote volcanic island has a population of 270 and the local economy is based on fishing. The closest neighboring landmass, the island of St. Helena off the coast of Africa, is 2,430 km away.
Transportation of the Liebherr LR 1100 lattice boom crawler crane required loading it onto a cargo vessel in Cape Town, South Africa.
On arrival in Tristan da Cunha, the crane wasl moved onto the shore, from where it is using a specially adapted clamshell grab to build a circular coastal protection using 80 concrete blocks.
Each of the blocks weighs 10t, and will be lifted and positioned using a line pull on a 12t hoist winch.
A Liebherr spokesperson commented on the suitability of the LR 1100 for shoreline projects. “The robust steel structure of the upper carriage is ideally suited for operation in the exposed harbour of Tristan da Cunha Island. For the operator this does not only result in higher performance but also in less wear and thus a longer service-life of the crane.
“In comparison with pontoon loading the crane offers cost advantages when positioning the stone blocks for shoreline stabilisation. As the crane works from land, larger working radii are possible,” the manufacturer said.
