CRANES AND LIFTING: September/October 2017

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SEPTEMBER 2017

BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL

INSIDE

Innovation on display

• CICA conference preview • Re-evaluating the fleet • Hup hup and away

INNOVATION ON DISPLAY

21&58 25 CONTENTS | SEPTEMBER 2017 45 Beauty showcased at the O2 arena in London (pictured). Shiny bits and bobs are also on display in ANZ as conference season is underway.

18 CICA INDUSTRY REPORT 32 FLEET MANAGEMENT From the president

Always re-evaluating the fleet

ICA CONFERENCE 21 CPREVIEW

45 TYRES AND TRACKS

Elevate your thinking

52 CANZ CONFERENCE

25 HIGH ON CRANES Keeping up with the times

26 CRANES IN ACTION: QLD

Matching the tyre with the application

Celebrating success

SIA PACIFIC REPORT: 55 ABRUNEI

A long love affair with pick and carry cranes

Cranes and Lifting is a media partner of

A deep well of opportunity

Senior Editor: Jacqueline Ong Editor: Greg Keane (greg.keane@mayfam.net) Journalist: Jan Arreza (jan.arreza@mayfam.net) Creative Director, Patterntwo Creative Studio: Toni Middendorf Advertising Sales: Ross May (ross@mayfam.net) Subscriptions: Email: subscriptions@mayfam.net Web: www.insideconstruction.com.au Office: Level 13, 333 George Street, Sydney, New South Wales 2000 Email: contact@mayfam.net Website: www.insideconstruction.com.au COPYRIGHT WARNING: All editorial copy and some advertisements in this publication are subject to copyright and may not be reproduced in any form without the written authorisation of the managing editor. Offenders will be prosecuted.

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A long time between drinks!

W

hen I left Cranes and Lifting in 2011, I didn’t expect that I’d be back six years later, and that the mag would have a different owner and have links to the New Zealand crane association as well as our local one. That said, I have enjoyed the sense of community of the industry at crane conferences that transcends business rivalries.

The industry of today is different to the one of six years ago, and no doubt I’ll notice more differences as I become more embedded.

Rebuilding the old contact list will be a long process, so feel free to accelerate this by contacting me at greg.keane@mayfam.net and letting me know what you are up to!

In 2011, the GFC was old news but the recovery wasn’t. The world had gotten used to four-year boom/bust cycles and the GFC wasn’t obeying the rules. We tend to forget that the boom before the GFC also went on for much longer than the normal up-cycle.

We are just starting to see signs of recovery in the mining industry, but in the interim we haven’t seen infrastructure spending compensate for the mining downturn, and we’ve seen the closure of a number of businesses that invested heavily in servicing the short-term gas industry boom.

So, what have we learnt? A harsh judgment would probably be “nothing that we shouldn’t already have known from past business cycles”.

While the Greater Sydney area seems to have at least 10 years of good times in the legs, the situation elsewhere is very uneven. The once golden states of Western Australia and Queensland are doing it tough. With businesses investing heavily to service the previous mining boom, the effects of a downturn are more keenly felt than in states with a more balanced economy.

The overseas companies that we thought would only be here until their home country economies improved seem to be here for the long term. There are no doubt things that we can learn from them, such as how off-site construction, combined with use of SPMTs or barges, can greatly reduce traffic disruption and improve construction time on civil projects.

While it is great to follow good examples, a lesson that I learnt a long time ago is that if you blindly follow, the best you can hope for is to come second. The person you are copying is established, got the best margins when there was less competition, and there are probably subtle nuances that you didn’t pick up on when copying, so your result won’t quite be the same.

Australia’s history, including the history of this industry, is littered with examples of original thinkers. Even in a more regulated environment, there is still a place for these thinkers.

WALK WITH ME I will be in Adelaide for the CICA national conference on October 19-21. I enjoy walking, and try to do this while I am travelling. I plan to invite local people to join me when I do this, for some low-key networking and a bit of healthy exercise, and hopefully a good view somewhere along the walk.

I plan to kick this off in the early afternoon of Thursday October 19, with a walk up Mt Lofty from Waterfall Gully (you can find info at www.walkingsa.org.au/walk/find-aplace-to-walk/waterfall-gully-to-mtlofty-summit-hike). Please contact me if you are interested, so we can finetune the details. I look forward to hearing from you, and finding out what you have been doing recently.

Greg Keane greg.keane@mayfam.net

TEREX BOUNCES BACK TO PROFIT TEREX Cranes has returned to profit in Q2 of 2017, reporting an income of US$14.5 million (AU$18.24) or 4.8% of net sales compared with Q2 2016’s loss of US$12.8 million.

However, sales revenue was down for the quarter, falling 15% to US$303.8 million compared with US$357.4 million in Q2 2016.

Terex Corporation CEO and president John L. Garrison said in a statement that the company is continuing to make progress.

“Our cranes segment returned to profitability in the second quarter, realising benefits from its restructuring program,” Garrison said.

“Our materials processing segment continued its excellent performance, growing sales and operating margin for the third consecutive quarter,” he added, further noting that “aerial work platforms (AWP) sales were better than expected on the strength of the North American market, however, operating margins compressed on pricing dynamics, higher steel costs and the strength of the US dollar.

The company has also lifted its forecast for the full year and now expects to come in with year revenues 6% lower at roughly US$1.2 billion, rather than 11% lower as originally forecasted.

Looking ahead, Garrison said: “We continue to implement our strategy to focus and simplify the company, and build capabilities in key commercial and operational areas.

“We continue to follow our disciplined capital allocation strategy. We monetised US$277 million of Konecranes shares for a year-to-date total of US$549 million. We repaid the US$254 million remaining on our 6.5% notes and repurchased 9.4 million Terex shares for US$316 million, bringing our total to 15.9 million shares for US$517 million for the first six months of the year.”

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September 2017

NEWS

News updates at www.insideconstruction.com.au

Part of the cable that snapped was flung onto Luna Park’s face.

(Credit: Lenny K Photography, Flickr CC)

Two crane collapses in four weeks THE month of August was marked (or marred) by two crane collapses. Thankfully, no one was killed in the incidents.

In early August, a crane fell onto an apartment block in Wolli Creek in Sydney’s south, leaving up to 200 people homeless for days.

According to reports, the incident occurred on the morning of August 7 when a crane fell off one building and crashed into another. It landed on a penthouse apartment but fortunately, no one was home at the time.

Two people were injured in the crash and taken to St George Hospital, with one of them suffering a leg injury.

Fire and Rescue NSW superintendent Josh Turner told reporters that four buildings had to be evacuated. An exclusion zone was also created and the airport line between Central and Turrella was partially closed that afternoon.

Following the incident, the CFMEU called for a stop on all further erection of cranes until investigations were complete.

A few weeks later, on August 29, a 200-tonne, purpose-built Waterway Constructions crane that was sitting on a barge off Milsons Point, collapsed when its cable snapped.

Reports noted that the barge was ready to be relocated and workers were working to remove

the mooring blocks under the water when the cable snapped. The crane plunged into the water and a section of the cable, which was connected to a half a tonne metal hook, was flung towards Luna Park, landing on its smiling face.

Speaking to reporters at the scene, Maritime Union of Australia spokesperson Paul Garrett expressed his relief that no one was injured or killed.

“It only has to go a couple of degrees either way and someone’s dead,” he said.

CFMEU NSW has said its inspectors will inspect the crane’s service records and criticised the state government for relying heavily on self-regulation in the construction industry.

“Self-regulation is alright if you’re working in an office and the worst thing that can happen to you is a paper cut,” CFMEU NSW secretary Brian Parker told The Australian.

Garrrett noted that crane lifts were complicated and required specialised skills, adding that more attention was needed during compliance checks.

Acknowledging the incident was a “catastrophic failure” but failing to give details about the fallen crane’s last safety inspection, SafeWork executive director Peter Dunphy assured of the organisation’s commitment to ensure all aspects of crane safety are complied with in NSW.

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› FRANNAS › CRAWLERS › MOBILE CRANES › TOWER CRANES › HEAVY TRANSPORT

September 2017

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NEWS

News updates at www.insideconstruction.com.au

Heavy haulage specialist grows

Heavy lift: Centurion’s 200t crane lifts one of more than 50 bridge beams into place on a mine access road upgrade in the Bowen Basin.

A WA transport and logistics company is expecting growth in Queensland’s mining, resources and infrastructure sectors over the next 18 months. To tap into these opportunities, the company has not only set up shop in the Sunshine State, it has also expanded its network across the eastern seaboard.

Over the last 50 years, Centurion has been assisting resource companies, explorers, suppliers, contractors and EPCs with tailored distribution, special projects and supply base solutions in some of the harshest and most remote environments.

The company’s move to Queensland has

September 2017

paid off, CEO Justin Cardaci said, as Centurion is presently servicing a growing a number of clients in industries contributing well over $23 billion a year to the Queensland economy.

“Our aim has been to take our successful model of servicing the mining, energy and construction industries in the West and replicate that in new and similar markets in the East while utilising local experience and expertise,” Cardaci said.

He added that the company is expecting a significant flow-on from the pick-up in the mining sector over this coming financial year.

“We’re seeing previously suspended

expansion plans and maintenance programs now go ahead with a slew of new projects due to roll out in 2017-18,” he said.

With port expansions, rail and road upgrades and other infrastructure projects under way across regional Queensland, Centurion is not just winning work from the mines either.

“The Queensland government has also earmarked significant sums to spend on regional development and support and we’re already seeing more demand for our heavy haulage and cranes to meet that need,” Cardaci said.

Centurion has consciously sought to employ locals at its three new Queensland bases, with their managers trained in Centurion’s established, successful culture.

Those bases - strategically located in Brisbane, Mackay and Emerald - were already providing cranage, relocation of heavy equipment and general transport services for two Bowen Basin mines.

With its growing fleet of specialist heavy haulage equipment and team of multi-skilled drivers, the company also provides longdistance haulage to a variety of sites for regional infrastructure projects improving road and rail access to Central Queensland and its mines.

Over the coming quarter, Centurion will be adding more equipment to allow its Queensland business to continue expanding.

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NEWS

News updates at www.insideconstruction.com.au

Liebherr strengthens Australian maritime business LIEBHERR is expanding its business in Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands.

It will do so by establishing full service, spares and sales activities in the region, which the company said would facilitate better support for its maritime customers using factory-trained and locally recruited engineers.

Liebherr has had a presence in Australia since the early 70s and leased its first premises in Kilkenny, an inner north-eastern suburb of Adelaide.

Over that time, Liebherr has invested in its Australian subsidiary with its maritime division entering Sydney with the company’s offshore, duty cycle, heavy lift and foundation equipment two years ago.

Today, Liebherr has 40 ship-to-shore cranes and straddle cranes from its Killarney sister company, 35MHCs and more than 10 offshore cranes in the Oceania region.

Morrow Australia has been representing

Liebherr’s mobile harbour cranes business in Australia for the last 27 years. However, Morrow’s main activities have been the purchase and rental of tower cranes and this will become their focus moving forward.

Liebherr said by taking its maritime business in Australia to the next level, new products can be introduced, including the new Liebherr Reachstacker or other mobile harbour cranes and offshore cranes.

COMANSA CM UNVEILS NEW LUFFING JIB CRANE COMANSA CM, Linden Comansa’s sister brand, has made its first addition to the CML luffing jib series after creating the range late last year.

The company has unveiled the CML165, a luffing jib crane with a maximum load capacity of 12 tonnes and a 50-metre reach.

The CML165, which will be available from September for the Asian, Middle Eastern and South American markets, comes with a 45kW standard hoist mechanism that achieves maximum speeds of up to 94m per minute and a drum with capacity for 545m of rope, allowing the crane to work in projects of up to 270m in height.

With the optional 65kW winch that features a larger wire rope drum, this new model can build towers of almost 400m in height, working with hoist speeds of up to 131m per minute.

Additionally, the new crane features one of the shortest counter jibs in the market at only 6.5m long, and an out-of-service radius of 19 to 22m (depending on the jib length). These two characteristics make the CML165 an ideal solution on narrow sites or projects with space restrictions due to buildings and other cranes, or due to regulations, for example where overflying train tracks or roads is forbidden.

The short counter jib of the new CML165 makes it an ideal choice on narrow job sites.

EURO AUCTIONS EXTEND GLOBAL REACH

INTERNATIONAL auctioneers of industrial plants, construction machinery and agricultural equipment, Euro Auctions, held its first ever Hong Kong sale on September 14 as it establishes a new auction facility and expands into the region.

Supported by Mitsubishi Bank and Hong Kong Trade Department Council (HKTDC), as well as many other leading banks and financial institutions in Hong Kong, the sale aimed to dispose of surplus equipment from leading construction, rental and financial institutions in the region.

With a large number of construction projects taking place in Hong Kong, a steady supply of used construction equipment and machinery has been coming onto the market and Euro Auctions’ first Hong Kong sale is expected to contact 400+ lots.

Early consigned equipment were a large range of 45-tonne excavators down to mini variants, more than 20 articulated dump trucks, 10 mobile cranes ranging from 25-75 tonnes, plus other associated equipment. All the major brands featured, including Komatsu, CAT, Doosan, Hitachi and Kobelco.

“It enhances our service to our existing customers in this region and also gives us access to new buyers and sellers in the Asian marketplace,” Euro Auctions’ commercial manager Jonnie Keys said.

“We’re delighted to be able to work with Wealth Mind Equipment Limited and some of the leading rental and construction companies in Hong Kong to provide them with a means to dispose of their equipment into the world market.”

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September 2017

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NEWS

Giants race against time to build plants THREE of Mammoet’s largest cranes will work together to ensure Petroliam Nasional Berhad’s (PETRONAS) Pengerang Integrated Complex (PIC) is operational by 2019.

Wholly-owned by the Malaysian government, PETRONAS’ PIC covers an area of 2526 hectares in Pengerang, Johor. The PIC consists of the Refinery and Petrochemical Integrated Development (RAPID) and is supported by its Associated Facilities which forms part of the Pengerang Integrated Petroleum Complex (PIPC).

With an investment of US$27 billion (AU$34.21 billion), the project supports the government’s Economic Transformation Programme which will be operational by 2019.

With the production goal of 300,000 barrels per day (bpd), the refinery and petrochemical

For the first time, three of Mammoet’s PTC type cranes will be operating together on the

plants are designed same site. (Source: Mammoet) to produce premium ambitious schedule, some need to work in parallel. differentiated and Thus, Mammoet mobilised three of its biggest specialty petrochemicals. RAPID will contribute to cranes from its global fleet to Malaysia - the PT 50 transforming Malaysia into an oil and gas hub to (Mammoet - PT 50), PTC 35 (Mammoet - PTC 35) meet increasing demands over the next 20 years. and PTC 140 (Mammoet - PTC 140) ring cranes.

For PETRONAS to achieve its ambitious PTCs are built on a ring track instead of construction and operation timeline, it is crawlers. They have been specifically designed necessary to work on multiple phases of the to combine a wide reach and high capacity on construction simultaneously. a small footprint. The ability to turn 360 degrees Since 2016, Mammoet professionals and up brings a combination of agility, flexibility and sheer to 35 cranes have been engaged on site. This lifting power. involved the installation of big and heavy columns, This is the first time in history that three of the largest of which is 1809 tons and 121 meters Mammoet’s PTC type cranes are operating on in height. one site at the same time. Together they offer a To be able to lift and install those columns high capacity of 10,000 tons and 225,000 ton meters. capacity cranes are necessary and, given the

IDENTIFYING POTENTIAL GAPS IN REGULATORY COMPLIANCE TO search for and fill any compliance gaps in maintenance programs, Konecranes is introducing to Australasia its Compliance Gap Analysis service, where a qualified trained inspector will thoroughly evaluate all aspects of a program, including inspection methods and documentation, preventative maintenance, repair processes and operator safety.

“Konecranes’ Compliance Gap Analysis is designed to identify if any gaps exist in your current maintenance program using information from all applicable OEM documents and overhead material handling standards,” Joseph Cefai, consultation services manager, Konecranes Australia and New Zealand, said.

“Our aim is to provide a holistic view of the current situation and find key gaps that may have otherwise been overlooked, despite best intentions.”

A typical process involves three key steps:

1. An on-site meeting with safety, maintenance and operations representatives plus any other associated departments or personnel, where information-gathering methods are explained and questions about the analysis method are answered.

2. A comprehensive review of the facility, where the Konecranes inspector studies key processes that typically include inspection practices, pre-shift checklists, and corrective maintenance procedures.

3. A findings review, conducted in person with key stakeholders, where safety-critical items are prioritised and other professional recommendations are made. Information is treated in commercial confidence.

“Compliance Gap Analysis can be a useful tool for safety and maintenance

managers seeking to employ best practice and standards compliance, because it gives an external expert opinion and covers all aspects of inspection, service and maintenance simultaneously,” Cefai said.

Compliance Gap Analysis is part of a broader suite of Konecranes services, including RailQ runway analysis, RopeQ wire rope inspection and CraneQ crane geometry survey.

IDENTIFYING POTDP WORLD PLACES LARGE KALMAR ORDER DP World Australia has ordered 38 machines for its new logistics arm, DP World Logistics Australia from Kalmar, which is part of Cargotec.

The order includes seven Kalmar reachstackers and 11 loaded and 20 empty container handers. 22 units have been delivered to DP World Logistics Australia’s Botany Intermodal terminal to date, with the remaining equipment to be delivered by September 2017.

The new machines add to DP World Australia’s existing fleet of Kalmar rubbertyred gantry cranes (RTGs), straddle carriers

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and terminal tractors and will serve operations in Sydney, Melbourne, Fremantle and DP World Australia’s semi-automated terminal in Brisbane.

Kalmar reachstackers will be equipped with Kalmar K-Motion transmission technology, which secures uptime and productivity while reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

Four units will also include overheight legs.

All the Kalmar machines will be powered by Volvo IV Final engines to meet emissions standards and will feature the Kalmar

SmartFleet system for performance-boosting remote monitoring and reporting.

“Kalmar won a competitive tender to renew, and increase, our fleet of machines in all our facilities around Australia. Our existing relationship gave us leverage to secure the best outcome for DP World Australia with respect to pricing, service and ongoing support. The K-Motion option was very attractive due to lower fuel consumption and environmental impact,” Ron French, national engineering manager at DP World Australia said.

September 2017

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Follow us on:

NEWS

News updates at www.insideconstruction.com.au

Hiab expands continuous slewing HIAB, part of Cargotec, is introducing continuous slewing on its 30 to 40 tonne metre range of cranes. Continuous slewing had previously been available for only the biggest HIAB cranes of over 50 tonne metres.

“Continuous slewing offers the operator the best possible load access, avoiding unnecessary backtracking, and enables safer operation with no awkward lifts and stopping in risky positions. There has been high demand for this from our customers, which we are now answering by expanding our offering to the lighter end of the heavy range,” says Marcel Boxem, director heavy range cranes, Hiab.

Combined with boom and jib operations for construction, transport and specialist work, cranes with continuous slewing have a number of advantages, including: • Faster Load cycle times are faster, increasing productivity: continuous slewing increases productivity, as operators can move the crane where needed, in a full circle and beyond. The right boom and jib options give operators what they need for a non-stop performance.

• Everything is brought into close and easy reach with precise control, wherever the

A Hiab X-HiPro 638. (Source: Hiab)

operator turns: continuous slewing makes lifting easier and safer, since operators can choose the best path for lifting, while avoiding unnecessary and potentially unsafe stops and backtracking.

• Optimises performance through a purpose-built design: HIAB cranes with continuous slewing are specifically built for high precision at long outreach (long-boom applications) or for more lifting power close to the truck (short-boom applications).

The following models are now available with continuous slewing: HIAB X-HiPro 358 (specifically designed for long boom applications with or without a jib), HIAB X-CLX 398 (specifically designed for short to medium length boom applications for emerging markets), HIAB X-HiPro 408 (specifically designed for long boom applications with or without a jib for maximum performance) and HIAB X-HiPro 418 (specifically designed for short to medium length boom applications, for more mature markets with high demand for electronic safety features and optimal performance).

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September 2017

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EQUIPMENT

A mini crawler crane, but not as you know it Laurie Patterson of Mornington Peninsula (VIC) crane hirer Patterson Crane Hire has developed a reputation over the years of being an innovator with cranes and attachments used with cranes, writes Greg Keane.

He has had remote control developed for a mobile crane because, on steep sites encountered on the peninsula, the mobility of remote control allows the operator to directly see the vehicle that the load is being taken from during hook-up, and then move to see where the load is to be placed - something that often would not be possible from the cab. This provides both safety and productivity benefits, both of which are important to Patterson and his customers.

Patterson’s most recent purchase is typically “left field” - although to date it has not required aftermarket add-ons as it comes from the factory with an impressive collection of bells and whistles, either as standard features or options.

The machine in question is a Jekko SPX424 mini crawler crane - the first sold in Australia by distributor 600 Cranes Australasia. It has a maximum capacity of 2.4 tonnes and, with tracks contracted and stabilisers folded, it has a travel width of only 776mm, allowing it to pass The perfect application for the articulated, telescopic fly jib.

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through most doorways. To take advantage of this capability, non-marking tracks are an option for indoor work.

Extending the indoor capabilities, the crane can be operated using a 240-volt connection in place of the diesel engine, avoiding emission issues in confined spaces.

The SPX424 is by no means an indoor machine only: the tracks can widen for stability when travelling on uneven ground, and the level of each track can be varied so that the crane can be levelled on side slopes.

A maximum 200kg of counterweight can be fitted, to improve the lift chart at longer radii.

The sophisticated load management system can adjust for individual outrigger settings as well as the extension of both the main and fly jibs, fly jib angle and counterweight fitted.

The articulated, telescopic fly jib has proven very useful in many of Patterson’s applications.

The Mornington Peninsula is home to many of Australia’s wealthiest people, and the houses

reflect this. However, sites on hills are difficult to build on, in part due to the difficulties of manually handling building materials on site.

Large cranes have to set up a long way from where a load is to be placed because of the slopes, and small cranes generally do not have a sufficiently long boom to undertake the work.

The Jekko SPX424 has a number of fly jib options, and the four-part telescopic fly adds an extra 4.95m of reach. Being articulated, it means that the fly jib can reach through a large window or over a balcony rail to place a load.

The capacity is not great when doing this, but comfortably covers most building materials.

There is also a 600mm runner jib with an 800kg SWL and offsets of -34, -8 and +18 degrees, for placing glass under the eaves of houses.

Another factory option is a vacuum glass handling attachment, and its manipulation capabilities leave most after-market attachment capabilities in the shade. Being a factory option, the load management system also caters for fitting of this attachment.

The Jekko remote control has a number of unique features. It provides a screen display of the functions being operated, including travel, and provides five speed settings. A shutdown mode turns the crane off if a function hasn’t been activated for five minutes. The screen display can be changed to show the working range, angle and load of the fly jib, or the outrigger positions.

For many applications, a fully optioned Jekko SPX424 would be overkill, but in the environment in which Patterson operates, its capabilities are a good match for a demanding environment - not only in terms of the terrain but also because the quality and cost of materials being handled demands that extreme care must be exercised to avoid damage. This market is driven more by quality than by price.

While it is still early days, Patterson’s enthusiasm for the Jekko’s performance to date suggests that the shine will not dull any time soon.

He said: “One of the best things is that Jekko listens to feedback and is always improving.”

Knowing Patterson, he will provide them with plenty of opportunity to live up to this observation!

CL September 2017

Powerful, Efficient and Effortless The new Tadano GT-600EL truck crane This newly designed hydraulic truck crane has been crafted in Japan using the expertise of Tadano’s world class engineering.

60 tonne capacity 400L fuel capacity Up to 35% reduction in fuel consumption for crane operation New automatic transmission for ease of operation Return to the underslung fly for confined space assembly New Carrier Cab - standardised to suit ATF range Smart chart Hello-net Japanese production model Rear rubber suspension for easier maintenance and comfort Full compliance to Australian Standards and licensing regulations

P: 1300 TADANO I E: info.au@tadano.com I W: au.tadano.com

KHL’S INTERNATIONAL ROUND-UP

Around the world with KHL Cranes and Lifting has partnered with supplier of international construction information KHL to bring you news from around the world. Here’s a snapshot of what’s been happening around the globe.

E

stablished in 1989, KHL Group is in the business of delivering information in a range of formats, from magazines such as Access International and International Cranes and Specialized Transport, to events and exhibitions including APEX and China International Crane Summit, to directories such as the World Crane Guide.

NEW WOLFF 6020 FLAT TOP TOWER Manufacturer Wolffkran has announced a new replacement flat top tower crane model in the 140 tonne-metre class.

The Wolff 6020 clear replaces the 6015 clear launched in 2008. It has a bigger tip load and incorporates design detail improvements from other recent new models, according to Wolffkran.

Two versions are available, the six-tonne capacity 6020.6 clear and the eight-tonne 6020.8 clear. Each has three tower crane connection options.

These are the 1.5m x 1.5m UV 15 or the 2m TFS20 or UV 20.

Gerd Tiedtke, Wolffkran product manager, commented: “Compared to its predecessor the six-tonne version can lift two tonnes instead of 1.5 tonnes at the tip at a 60 metre jib radius, while the tip load capacity of the eight-tonne version was increased from 1.5 tonnes to 1.8 tonnes.”

Both models are designed for two-fall rope operation and changing some elements of the design has allowed smaller bolts to be used which means faster and easier assembly.

Counterweight slabs are no longer supplied with the basic crane so that any suitable existing ones can be used.

For easier transport there is a special support to hold up to three jib sections on the counter jib. To help better protect the crane against corrosion there are more galvanised parts than on the preceding model.

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LIEBHERR CRANE ASSEMBLES LIEBHERR PLANT German crane contractor ESB Kranverleih Transport und Hebetechnik (ESB) has completed the assembly of a Liebherr concrete mixing plant using a Liebherr mobile crane.

SB used a new Liebherr LTM 1070-4.2 mobile crane for the initial assembly of the mixer and the erection of the feeder elevator. The mixer measured 2.5m³ and was assembled, along with the rest of the Betomix 2.5 RIM plant, at a gravel works a few kilometres from the Liebherr concrete technology production works.

Liebherr stated that the new LTM 1070-4.2 mobile crane features all the company’s latest innovations. These include: VarioBase - to allow the crane to be used safely in situations when the outriggers can’t all be extended evenly; ECO mode - for lower fuel consumption; a new crane cabin; new one-piece steel wheel rims; and the latest generation of disc brakes.

ESB’s new LTM 1070-4.2 is also fitted with a complete remote control system. Remote control is possible due to the LICCON2 controller, which has a Bluetooth terminal (BTT) as standard.

MORE FOR MAMMOET IN SIBERIA Mammoet Russia has won more work on what it describes as Russia’s largest modern petrochemical facility, in West Siberia.

The extended contract is from PJSC Silbur, Russia’s largest gas processing and petrochemical company. It covers unloading more than 300 large and heavy components, weighing a total of more than 20,000 tonnes, from the river port in Tobolsk. Mammoet will then transport and install the components at the ZapSibNeftekhim petrochemical complex construction site. ZapSibNeftekhim will be the largest modern petrochemical facility in Russia, Mammoet said.

For a year, Mammoet said it worked with PJSC Sibur on ensuring that operations were executed safely and met all deadlines.

Mammoet unloaded more than 200 oversized and heavy components, weighing up to 917 tonnes. The journey was more than 23km to the site where Mammoet lifted and installed the components. Two were 106 metre-long pyrolysis columns, each weighing 917 tonnes.

In the work this year, Mammoet said the components are lighter, with the heaviest at 480 tonnes, but there are more than 300 of them.

HIAB ACQUIRES UK SERVICE CENTRE On-road load handling specialist, Hiab, has acquired Walker & Company Hydraulic Services, which was previously Hiab’s approved service centre for the Midlands region of the UK. Walker & Company Hydraulic Services became part of Hiab on August 7, 2017.

Hiab said the acquisition is part of its strategy to grow its presence in the area.

The news follows Hiab’s recent appointment of Ian Mitchell as director dealer manager. Commenting on the acquisition, Mitchell said: “Walker & Company has been critical in establishing a strong service facility for our customers in the West Midlands, which is an area of considerable growth for Hiab. Our investment reflects our ambition to ensure we have the means to service this anticipated growth in service and parts supply needs of both Hiab and Moffett products.”

Hiab said the purchase of Walker & Company is part of a significant investment program in its service support network, which also includes growing its team of mobile engineers and opening several new workshops in locations matching its customers’ needs.

September 2017

EIFFEL TOWER BOAT LIFT French crane contractor S.E Levage has completed a job that involved lifting a five tonne, 18m-long boat onto the first storey of the Eiffel Tower, Paris, France - a height of approximately 60m.

S.E Levage used a Liebherr LTM 1300-6.2 mobile crane for the lift. The job was carried out overnight, although the assembly work on the 300-tonne crane (which had to be prepared with ballast and a lattice jib) started whilst many tourists were still hanging around at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.

In addition to the tourists, S.E Levage had to contend with wind turbulence. This meant that the boat couldn’t be hoisted up through the inside of the Eiffel Tower, as originally intended.

Instead, the mobile crane was moved from underneath the middle of the Eiffel Tower to an adjoining road. The change of location for the lift resulted in an additional 20% radius for the lift.

However, this wasn’t a problem for the LTM 1300-6.2, which has a maximum load capacity of 300 tonnes and a maximum hoist height of 114m. Despite the challenges the lift went well and the boat was placed in position safely.

INAUGURAL LIFT FOR ALE’S LATEST CRANE Heavy-lift specialist ALE has used its latest equipment innovation, the Lightweight Service Crane, for the first time to lift a building maintenance unit (BMU) onto the roof of a 124 metre high-rise building in the centre of London, UK. The BMU comprised a number of components, weighing between 1–3.5 tonnes.

According to ALE, all the Lightweight Service Crane’s components were mobilised with a small truck and then setup on the roof using the service lift and staircase. The crane was configured in its largest configuration on the roof and performed eight lifts for all of the BMU components to be positioned on the rooftop.

“We were tasked with lifting the BMU from street level to the top of a high-rise building, located in a congested and busy area,” explained Patrick van der Ent, account manager offshore handling services at ALE. “As a large crawler crane would’ve required a road closure, our Lightweight Service Crane was the only possible solution that avoided disruptions.”

ALE said all of the lifts were executed in just one day, with the preparation, mobilisation and demobilisation taking only one week to complete.

MAX BÖGL ERECTS WORLD’S TALLEST TURBINES Specialist lifting contractor Max Bögl in Germany is erecting the world’s tallest wind turbines.

They are part of an energy storage project on which the company is using its fleet of Liebherr mobile cranes. The turbines stand on large concrete water storage basins that are 40m tall, contributing to the 240m overall height of the turbines.

Max Bögl is erecting the four turbines near Schwäbisch Hall in the north-east of BadenWürttemberg, Germany.

A Liebherr LTM 11200-9.1 wheeled mobile hydraulic crane (one of four in the Max Bögl fleet) is lifting and placing the 27 prestressed concrete rings for each basin. Loads of more than 90 tonnes are being lifted by the crane which is rigged with 202 tonnes of ballast.

With the four concrete segments assembled into a 16m diameter ring they are then stressed using steel cables. After building up the height in 1.5m courses, the same crane will be used to install the turbine tower sections on top of foundations which are inside the tanks. Its other task will be to assemble the 630 EC-H 70 top slewing tower crane, also a Liebherr, for the remaining work on the project. The saddle jib tower crane will then be climbed to a height of around 190m.

TWO SENNEBOGEN CRAWLERS USED FOR FOUNDATION DIGGING German construction company Berger Grundbautechnik is using two Sennebogen duty cycle cranes for digging diaphragm walls up to 25m deep as part of the preparation work for the construction of the new BAB 100 motorway in Berlin, Germany.

According to Sennebogen, its 690 HD and 6130 HD duty cycle cranes are reliable, robust, and have high hydraulic capacities, which it claimed made them particularly suitable for the job. The company said that the 690 HD has proven itself over years of use in similar digging applications; however, it was a relatively new area of application for the 6130 HD. Berger Grundbautechnik took delivery of the 6130 HD at the end of 2016, Sennebogen said. It has a capacity of 130 tonnes and is driven by a 570kW diesel engine. For operation with the diaphragm wall grabber, the duty cycle crane has been fitted with two 300kN free-fall winches, said Sennebogen. It claimed that the freefall speed of the winches is easily regulated via a potentiometer. The company added that the machine’s powerful winch strength and high load capacity allow for a fluid and rapid work process, even with heavy grapples.

“In the Sennebogen 6130 HD, we have found the perfect machine for demanding specialist foundation engineering,” commented Berger Grundbautechnik.

“The high hydraulic system drive power is completed with good structural stability.”

Sennebogen attributes the crane’s stability, in part, to its 7.2-metre-long track rollers. The caterpillar undercarriage telescopes out hydraulically to a track width of up to 4.1m and, in the current configuration, the machine works with a heavy-duty boom, running to a total of 27m in length.

CL

September 2017

17

CICA INDUSTRY REPORT

From the president ELEVATE your THINKING is the theme of this year’s annual CICA conference being held in Adelaide from October 19 to 21. Once again, we are delighted to have two dynamic keynote speakers - Glenn Cooper AM (executive chairman, Coopers Brewing) and Matina Jewell (retired major, Australian Defence Force). This year, we are offering more choices for you to customise your conference experience, with four separate workshops each with two choices.

C

hain of Responsibility is a relatively new topic coming upon our industry that will be presented in one of the Saturday workshops.

Under the Heavy Vehicle National Chain of Responsibility Law, each party in the supply chain is obliged to ensure breaches of road transport laws do not occur. This applies to companies, employers, loading supervisors, operators/drivers and schedulers. The Chain of Responsibility encompasses speed, mass, dimensions, fatigue and load restraint, and in 2018, vehicle standards and maintenance will also be added. Each party in the supply chain must be able to demonstrate that they took all reasonably practicable steps to prevent

any breaches. Industry is writing Codes of Practice to help define a management system to prevent breaches. CICA sees this as an upcoming area of concern for our industry and has been successful in being one of only four industry associations approved to write industry Codes of Practice.

There are also two technical presentations from international speakers and of course, the always popular manufacturers and crane owners panels. Early bird bookings have already closed and are showing registrations at a new all-time high, so get in quick to avoid disappointment – this is a conference not to be missed! Also remember the National Reference Group meeting is held at 1pm

on the day of the welcome reception. So, if you would like to participate, please talk to your CICA state branch to see how you can be nominated.

With the conference fast approaching, this also means CICA board nominations are now open, closing at 4:30pm on September 20. Our current constitution stipulates an annual election whereby half the board is up for election as well as any board-appointed members. The retiring board members this year are Andrew Esquilant, Ben Pieyre (appointed), Cheryl Woodhart, and Tom Smith. I would like to thank each of these board members for their commitment, passion and efforts to help improve our industry during their tenure. We are truly fortunate as

FIGURE 1

18

September 2017

an industry group to have such high calibre members willing to participate. Last year we had a healthy nomination process in that we had more nominations than available positions and hence we had to go to a member’s vote.

I look forward to seeing this continue, with further motivated members stepping forward to get involved.

Our CrewSafe project is progressing well and in August, we performed a “live” demonstration to John Holland by conducting two competency assessments. The testing was deemed an overall success and we received positive feedback and some good ideas that will be incorporated into future development.

In July, I had the opportunity to present an overview of the Australian crane scene at the Crane Association of New Zealand (CANZ) Conference held in Rotorua. It was encouraging to see how some of the key economic indicators have improved over the past year. For sure in Australia we are not breaking any records, but according to the June release of the Australian Industry Group

Construction Outlook, it is great to see some improvement now and with a more positive outlook as shown in Figure 1.

Turnover from all major construction work is forecast to grow at a faster pace of 6.4% through 2018. This is largely being led by a higher level of publicly-funded infrastructure projects moving through the development pipeline to commencement stage. Resources-related engineering construction (primarily LNG) is expected to continue to significantly decline (see Figure 2).

I look forward to catching up with you all at the CICA Conference in Adelaide; I’d love to hear your views on how CICA can better help. And of course, if you can’t make it to the conference, please don’t hesitate to drop me a line anytime.

Many Thanks, Danny Black CICA President General Manager Terex Australia 0419 384 962

CICA president Danny Black

CICA Board

Danny Black – President, Terex Cranes Tom Smith – Vice President, Williamstown Crane Hire Andrew Esquilant, Liebherr Australia Cheryl Woodhart, RMB Service Group John Gillespie, Gillespies Crane Services Bart Sutherland, Complete Crane Hire Geoff Bevan, Hydralift Cranes Ben Pieyre, Freo Group

CICA Office

Brandon Hitch, Chief Executive Officer 03 8320 0444 Tracey Watson, Business Operations Manager (VIC/TAS Secretary) 03 8320 0411 Simone Hill, CICA Administration Officer (Accounts/Membership/Events) 03 8320 0420 Heidi Hervay, CICA Administration Officer (NSW, QLD & NT Secretary) 1300 887 277 John Humphries, VIC/TAS Liaison Officer 03 8320 0433 Alice Edwards, Project Engineer 03 8320 0440 Patrick Cran, Plant & Operator Assessment Officer 0488 004 274 Sherry Kirby, CICA Administration Officer (Tues/Thurs) 03 8320 0455

FIGURE 2

Unit 10, 18-22 Lexia Place, Mulgrave Vic 3170 (PO Box 136 Mount Waverley Vic 3149) Phone: 03 9501 0078 Fax: 03 9501 0083 Email: admin@cica.com.au Website: www.cica.com.au For information regarding CICA membership, please visit our website or call the CICA office.

September 2017

19

Membership Benefits

Enjoy the benefits of CICA membership…….

Lobbying & Representation:

 Representation on a National level  Links with like associations

 Industry representation on

Networking & Information:

 CICA State Branch meetings  Information about important

 Member discount to attend the

Industry Exposure &

 Promotional opportunities available

 Industry promotion and exposure

Products & Services:

 CICA’s Australian Standards Online

 CICA Traineeship  Discounts on CraneSafe program

Awards & Competitions:

Standards and EN13000.

Annual CICA Conference

industry issues

at industry events including the CICA Conference.

Access  CICAAssist  CICA Benchmarking Study

and the range of products

 Access to ongoing development of

new safety initiatives and products.

 Access to and celebration of the Con  CICA Lift of the Year Awards Popov Memorial Award for  Participation in the annual Photo of outstanding service to the national crane industry.

the Year Competition.

THE CRANE INDUSTRY COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA

PO Box 136, Mount Waverley Vic 3149 Phone: 03 9501 0078 Fax: 03 9501 0083 E-mail: admin@cica.com.au Website: www.cica.com.au

Lifting Industry Standards

2017 CICA Conference, Exhibition & Crane Display

Program At A Glance

Host State:

CICA Board Meeting CICA National Reference Group CICA AGM First Timers Briefing Welcome Reception Networking Dinner

Sponsorship & Exhibitor Opportuni�es available – Contact Simone Hill at the CICA Office for informa�on admin@cica.com.au 03 8320 0420

Thursday 19th October

Friday 20th October Keynote Speaker Speaker Sessions Lift of the Year Award Presentations

Saturday 21st October

For further information visit the conference website:

http://conference.cica.com.au

Speaker Sessions Manufacturers’ Panel Gala Awards Dinner

20

September 2017

CICA CONFERENCE

Elevate your thinking The 2017 CICA Conference is right around the corner.

THIS year, the conference - Elevate your thinking - will held at the Adelaide Convention Centre from October 19 to 21 and in addition to a line-up of panel discussions and technical workshops and presentations, delegates will also be able to visit a crane display.

Here’s what to expect at the 2017 CICA Conference.

FLOOR PLAN

EXHIBITORS LIST Industrial Training International A Noble & Sons UAA Tadano Oceania Liebherr Australia Australian Crane & Machinery Terex Australia PACE - Maeda Chase Finance Finlease

September 2017

TRT (Aust) Pty Ltd Hi-Tec Oils Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics Imperial Oil & Chemical Michelin Australia Pty Ltd The Baden Davis Crane Connection Ronco Group APS Lighting & Safety Products RUD Australia CICA/CraneSafe

Casar Australia PWB Anchor Limited Robway Safety Bearing Thermal Resources Manitowoc Cranes Crane display participants Maeda Manitowoc Cranes Maxilift Tadano

21

CICA CONFERENCE

CONFERENCE PROGRAM THURSDAY OCTOBER 19, 2017

SATURDAY OCTOBER 21, 2017

Time

Session

Time

Session

8.30am

CICA Board Meeting (CICA Board Only)

9.00am

Workshops*

1.00pm

National Reference Group (Nominated State Representatives only)

Technical Workshop: Major Inspections - CICA’s Guidance on Condition Monitoring: Brandon Hitch, CICA

2.30pm

Registration

3.00pm

Crane Display Open

Business Workshop: Industrial Relations - Enterprise Bargaining Agreement: David Putland, Fair Work Lawyers

3.15pm

CICA AGM (CICA Members Only)

4.30pm

First Timers Briefing

5.00pm

Welcome Reception & Exhibition Opening

7.00pm

Networking Dinner (National Wine Centre)

11.00pm

Evening Close

9.45am

Morning Tea

10.15am

Workshops* Technical Workshop: Creating A Lift Plan - Using CICA’s Simple and Detailed Lift Plan: Alice Edwards, CICA Business Workshop: Fatigue Management & Chain of Responsibility

11.15am

Technical Workshop: Rigging Guidance: Alice Edwards, CICA

FRIDAY OCTOBER 20, 2017 Time

Session

8.30am

MC Introduction - Paul Heeks President’s Welcome - Danny Black

Workshops*

Business Workshop: Managing Social Media 12.00pm

Lunch

1.00pm

Gold Sponsor Presentation: Tadano

8.55am

Keynote: Glenn Cooper AM

1.15pm

CANZ Update: Tony Gibson, CANZ

9.40am

Platinum Sponsor Presentation: Industrial Training International

1.30pm

Technical Presentation: Klaus Meissner, Terex

10.00am

Morning Tea

2.00pm

Afternoon Tea

10.30am

Crane Owners Panel Facilitator: Paul Heeks

2.30pm

11.15am

Gold Sponsor Presentation: UAA

11.30am

Technical Presentation: Andreas Cremer, Manitowoc

Manufacturer’s Panel Reinhold Breitenmoser, Liebherr Steve Filipov, TEREX David Semple, Manitowoc Rolf Sontagg, Tadano Bill Stramer, Link-Belt Ryusuke Yanagido, Kobelco ACM

12.00pm

Lunch

3.30pm

1.00pm

Lift of the Year Award Entries

CICA CEO / CraneSafe: Brandon Hitch, CICA CEO

2.00pm

Guest Speaker - Steve Filipov, Terex

3.50pm

Announcement of Minor Awards

2.25pm

Workshops*

4.00pm

Keynote: Matina Jewell

4.45pm

President’s Wrap Up: Danny Black, CICA President

7.00pm

Gala Awards Dinner (Adelaide Oval)

11.59pm

Evening Close

Technical Workshop: Operator Competency - CrewSafe Demonstration: Patrick Cran, CICA Business Workshop: Interpreting Contracts 3.10pm

Afternoon Tea

3.40pm

Exhibition: Visitors Welcome Crane Display: Dedicated Time

22

Program subject to change *You will have the opportunity to select which workshop you would like to attend closer to the conference. Places are limited.

September 2017

HIGH QUALITY INNOVATIVE CONSTRUCTIBLE ECONOMICAL ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS ADELADE | PERTH | WHYALLA | DARWIN | MELBOURNE | NEW ZEALAND

HEAVY LIFTING HEAVY HAULAGE

Accredited to carry out crane inspections by CraneSafe

CICA CONFERENCE

And who will you hear from at the 2017 CICA Conference? Here’s a snapshot of some of the speakers.

Glenn Cooper AM | Chairman, Coopers Brewing Glenn Cooper is a fifth generation Cooper but before turning his hand to the family brewing business, He had a highly successful career in computers. He also once worked for rival brewer, SA Brewing.

It was not a given that descendants of the Cooper family would come to work for Cooper & Sons, the brewing company founded in 1862 by Thomas Cooper. In fact, Glenn’s father Ken advised him against joining the company, believing at that stage it was unlikely to survive.

Whilst studying electronic engineering Glenn worked at SA Brewing on plant equipment - such was the amicable relationship between the two breweries that SA Brewing didn’t mind having a Cooper in their midst! In 1983, Glenn set up his own business in computer sales and services. A highly successful venture, his company grew to employ almost 30 staff, with a turnover of more than $3.5 million. It was in 1990 that Glenn was invited to join Coopers Brewery, where his talent and instinct for marketing saw him take up the position of marketing director. Today, he is also the company’s Executive Chairman.

Aided by Glenn’s marketing ingenuity, Coopers has cemented a reputation as an ale, stout and home brew producer of the highest quality, and enjoys excellent sales both within Australia and on the export market.

Klaus Meissner | Director product strategy, Terex Cranes Klaus Meissner studied mechanical engineering at the University of Darmstadt in Germany and worked five years on conceptual design.

In 1988, he began working in the crane industry at Demag, now Terex Cranes Germany GmbH, being responsible for trials and homologation. Later, he led the design of controls and control systems introducing the well-known IC-1 platform. From 2002, he was leading R&D for all telescopic and crawler cranes at Terex in Zweibruecken. Since January 2008, he has been responsible for product strategy, product safety coordination and intellectual property management for Terex Cranes.

Klaus is an expert for mobile cranes appointed by the German HSE, working with international standards committees on crane safety standards. He is convenor of the working group developing EN13000, the European safety standard for mobile cranes and is the president of the product group for mobile cranes within FEM, the organisation of the European lifting industry.

Brandon Hitch | CEO, CICA Brandon Hitch joined CICA in October 2011 as the CraneSafe engineer. In 2012, Brandon was promoted to CraneSafe general manager, overseeing the technical and day-to-day operations of the CraneSafe program. In November 2014, Brandon was appointed as CICA CEO. Prior to joining CICA, Brandon held a position as senior engineer with Cargotec Australia working on their Hiab and Kalmar load handling equipment.

Brandon is one of CICA’s representatives for Australian Standards and Chair of ME-005-05, Mobile Crane and Vehicle Loading Crane Sub-Committee. Brandon represents Australia on ISO TC96 – Cranes.

Brandon is originally from Chicago, USA where he worked for the past 10 years in the automotive and heavy trucking sector with emphasis on structural and chassis design.

Brandon has a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Iowa State University and a Master’s Degree in Engineering from the University of Michigan. Brandon is a registered chartered engineer and Fellow with Engineers Australia and is licensed professional engineer in the USA.

David Semple | Vice president, mobile cranes, Middle East and APAC, Manitowoc David Semple graduated from business school in Bordeaux, France having spent a year of his studies in the UK where he also received an MBA from Aston University. After graduation, he served his National Service at the French Embassy in Damascus, Syria.

He joined Potain in 1998 as export sales manager for the Middle East and following Manitowoc’s acquisition of Potain and Grove in 2001-02 he was closely involved in the development of the company’s subsidiary in Dubai. In 2005, he was made managing director for all Manitowoc brands in the Middle East and then in 2011, he was promoted to vice president of sales for the Middle East and Africa.

Earlier in 2016, he was made vice president of mobile cranes, Middle East and APAC. While still based in Dubai and also maintaining his role as MD of the company subsidiary, he now has responsibilities for sales, marketing and Manitowoc Crane Care services for mobile cranes in both Asia-Pacific and the Middle East.

24

September 2017

HIGH ON CRANES

Keeping up with the times This month, in High on cranes, we speak to Ken Deacon, managing director of family-owned Wagga Mobile Cranes and Heavy Haulage. Deacon is a big believer in maintaining a modern fleet and has made two new additions to his fleet in two months. Jacqueline Ong reports.

W

agga Mobile Cranes and Heavy Haulage, as its name suggests, is based in Wagga Wagga, the capital of NSW’s Riverina region or better known as the “City of Good Sports” given a number of our country’s sporting heroes, including former Australian cricket captain Mark Taylor and rugby superstar Peter Sterling, hailed from the city.

The business began in 1973 with Deacon’s father-in-law, Donald George Harper. In 2014, Deacon, his wife, and two sons - John and Matthew Deacon - purchased the company from the rest of the family. Today, the Deacon family own a fleet of 11 cranes, including the recently acquired 55-ton Liebherr 1055-3.2 all-terrain crane.

The three-axle machine has a telescopic boom of 40m, maximum hoist height of 56m, and maximum radius of 46m.

“We picked this model because it’s a good product with good back-up service. The crane’s reliability stood out - it’s a good solid crane that does the job well. They are good lifters and have a lot of safety features on them that help operators,” Deacon said.

Some of these features include a high performance six-cylinder Liebherr turbo engine with 270kW/367HP, which provides dynamic driving performance, a 12-speed ZF-gearbox with

automatic gear change system that promises high efficiency and comfort, a compact design (chassis length - 9.36m; minimum turning radius - 7.58m) that is ideal at tight work sites, and high safety standards including the centering of cylinders for straightening of the rear axles in the event of a failure.

But that’s not all. Deacon told Cranes and Lifting that in August, the company purchased a new Maeda 305C-2 mini crawler crane. And in October last year, they took delivery of a 100ton Liebherr crane as well. While business is picking up, Deacon said it is not the sole reason why the company has made these purchases in quick succession.

“We like to keep a modern fleet and we’ve always got one crane on the go. If we keep our fleet up-to-date and modern, the machinery upkeep costs are low and it doesn’t cost a lot of money when it comes to upgrading them. Liebherr cranes are good for 20 years and we usually change them between 12 and 15 years old,” he said.

“We have a lot of government clients and they like good modern gear. In the past, the country folk would work their cranes to their maximum capacity, now many clients are only allowing lifts of up to 75% to 80% of the crane’s lifting capacity.

They are also more focused on safety issues CL rather than just trying to get the job done.”

L-R: Matthew, Ken, and John Deacon with the new LTM 1055-3.2.

The new Maeda 305C-2 mini crawler which has been placed at a site for two years.

Founder of Wagga Mobile Cranes and Heavy Haulage, Donald George Harper (left) with his son-in-law and now managing director Ken Deacon.

September 2017

25

FLEET MANAGEMENT New Grove GMK4100L-1 (left) and GMK6400 cranes.

Always re-evaluating the fleet

Melrose Cranes & Rigging (MCR) has become a leader in the very competitive Sydney market by, amongst other things, making quick decisions to invest in equipment in anticipation of, or in response to market requirements, writes Greg Keane.

I

t is old news now, but the decision to invest in a 450-tonne Grove GMK7450 all-terrain crane in 2007, when that made it the highest capacity all-terrain crane working in Sydney, meant that the crane was not only busy in Sydney but also travelled over a wide area to service the level of demand that it created.

The market has moved past that point, with cranes up to 500t capacity now based in the Sydney market, and companies outside Sydney also investing in large cranes so that there is much less demand to travel.

However, the Sydney market is arguably the strongest in Australia at the present time, and the infrastructure and development plans for Western Sydney alone, from Windsor in the north through to Camden in the south, suggest that activity levels will not ease for the next 10 years and cranes based in the region will have little need to travel to find work.

MCR has also continued to grow, with expansion of its fleet of large cranes, a fleet of crawler cranes to service the dry hire market, and an expanded fleet of smaller cranes so that MCR can service the total needs of large projects.

Founder Gregg Melrose reviewed his options when purchasing a 25t pick and carry crane to expand his fleet early this year, and decided to evaluate the TIDD PC25 crane. This was done 26

not only to see how it stacked up against the established leader in this class but also to gauge its acceptance by customers.

The results of these trials can be gauged by the recent purchase of three units from NSW dealer Baden Davis Crane Connection.

Extended evaluation preceded the purchase of these three TIDD cranes.

Melrose found that builders accept the the first units in Australia. With all-terrain cranes crane, and are happy currently spending extended periods on-site to pay the established hourly rate for this rather than returning to the depot each night, he class of crane. For a business owner, this is is reviewing the next stage of fleet purchases important as the TIDD crane is less expensive to and evaluating alternatives. purchase, and thus provides a greater return on MCR has also served the wind farm industry investment. Its driveline and other components for many years, predominantly on maintenance suggest that its long-term operating costs will work. With the resurgence of this industry, not place it at a disadvantage.

Gregg is looking at whether MCR should expand This is not the only area where Melrose Is its involvement in the industry. reviewing his fleet. MCR’s latest additions are This ongoing attention to the size and three Grove all terrains: a 400t GMK6400, 100t positioning of MCR has been a key to its success GMK4100L-1 and 150t GMK5150L (arriving in the 19 years that it has been in business. C L late September). The 100t and 150t cranes are September 2017

TOP 50

ARE YOU A CRANE OWNER? To make sure your fleet is properly recognised please complete this form and return it to top50@mayfam.net

Announcing the inaugural CRANES AND LIFTING Top 50 Crane Owning Companies In the November 2017 edition of Cranes and Lifting magazine the very first list of the Top 50 crane owning companies in Australia and New Zealand will be unveiled. The list will focus on wheeled mobile telescopic and lattice boom cranes with companies ranked by the total maximum load moment rating, in tonne-metres, of all cranes in the fleet.

Company name

Number of wheeled mobile cranes

Depots/area of operation

Total maximum load moment rating in tonne-metres of all wheeled mobile cranes in your fleet

Number of employees Senior contact name Job title Phone number

Number of crawler cranes Total maximum load moment rating in tonne-metres of all crawler cranes in your fleet Description and capacity of largest crane

Email Website

Average fleet age in years

Other information will also be included to help inform the industry and identify trends including average fleet age, depot locations, number of employees and details of largest crane in each fleet.

In some cases, where no data is submitted, or is incomplete, Cranes and Lifting may base a company’s equipment fleet figure on estimates utilising industry contacts and available delivery and used equipment sales data.

All companies in the inaugural list, plus other companies in future years, will have the opportunity to supply fleet information and other data for inclusion in the ranking.

If you have any questions regarding the form or would like help with representing tonne-metres, please contact us by email at: top50@mayfam.net and we’d be pleased to assist you.

Where companies supply the full data, the figure used is calculated by them. Where companies supply a full fleet list with all the relevant details, Cranes and Lifting will calculate on their behalf.

Notes: 1. All figures should be given as a maximum load moment rating in tonne-metres.

2. Please only include wheeled mobile telescopic and lattice boom cranes.

3. Figures should include an allowance for any super lift attachments that you own.

4. Only include currently operating in your fleet.

PLEASE COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS FORM TO TOP50@MAYFAM.NET BY 25 OCTOBER 2017 The 2017 Cranes and Lifting Top 50 list will be published in the November 2017 (10th anniversary) edition of Cranes and Lifting magazine and promoted as a digital resource year-round through Cranes and Lifting magazine, Inside Construction magazine and www.insideconstruction.com.au

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CRANES IN ACTION: QUEENSLAND

Queensland’s long love affair with pick and carry cranes

Country ingenuity - this massive crane was built for its own use by Aion Engineering and, like grandfather’s axe, had many changes to its wheel and boom configurations over its long working life. Aion also made the 180hp tractor!

With Terex Franna pick and carry cranes being manufactured in Brisbane, it is easy today to associate Queensland with pick and carry cranes. The Franna/Terex has been Australia’s most successful pick and carry crane for some time, surpassing the production figures of the Fowler/International and BHB tractor cranes that are part of Australia’s crane folklore. Greg Keane reports.

H

owever, this love affair was consummated long before the Franna was a twinkle in Dave Francis’ eye.

Tractor cranes were common on the roads around Australia after WWII: their mobility was not a lot different to most of the trucks of the era in an urban environment, and the world wasn’t in such a rush. Eventually, the slow speed of tractor cranes made them unacceptable on the road in Sydney and Melbourne.

Not so Brisbane, which was more of a big country town and took life at a leisurely stroll.

30

Tractor cranes were still common on Brisbane streets in the 1970s and 1980s, particularly in the colours of Aitkin Transport and Rocklea Carrying Company, which had two of the more substantial fleets of the era.

The tractor crane was also a popular project crane, and former crane owner Chris Austin has recollections of when Gladstone was industrialising. Ranks of up to 40 tractor cranes would be parked outside the site, and would be called on in turn as a lift was required. When a project was over, he recalls that the cranes would travel to the next project, even if it was

interstate, and generally do so on the highway rather than on a float.

The popularity of the tractor crane led to two manufacturers setting up in Brisbane.

Warman was better known for its pumps and truck-mounted exploration drills, but also made tractor cranes in Brisbane between 1975 and 1988 - more than 200 of them. They were mounted on Chamberlain tractors initially, but on Ford tractors from 1984 to 1988, after manufacture of Chamberlain tractors ceased.

The other Brisbane manufacturer was Sabre Industries, and it was more short-lived, and September 2017

A BHB tractor crane helping to rig a lattice boom crane in the Brisbane CBD in 1982.

Queensland’s own tractor crane, the Warman, sporting a logo of the short-lived Queensland Powers brand beer on the tackle box.

made a wide range of equipment in low volumes - not a recipe for success. It built just six tractor cranes on Chamberlain Industrial Mark III tractors between 1970 and 1972, when it was already in receivership. Its design was worthy of note, with the drive reversed and the boom overhanging the drive wheels, which became the front wheels of the crane with an operator cab set over the wheels and the boom mounted behind the cab, overcoming the criticism of poor forward visibility on tractor cranes.

It was this factor that gave rise to the Franna.

Dave Francis was a steel erector and poor visibility was a big issue for him. His prototype used a cut truck chassis with an articulation joint in the middle, the cab in the front and the boom mounted behind it, similar to the current machines. The first Frannas had considerable variation in the engine brand and location, as well as the driveline configuration, and gave September 2017

little indication of the popularity that was to follow. Other people had similar concepts, but it was the Franna that took off - after Lou Parolin and Brian Hain took over the business.

There were a couple of other blips on the Queensland manufacturing radar, at both ends of the size spectrum. The Skat was a rubber-tyred crane that offered more mobility than a mini crawler crane, while Austeng made 16t and 20t cranes using a wheel loader rear end - initially Cat and then Volvo. These also were not a big seller, but there are surviving examples of both Skat and Austeng cranes. The railway workshops in Ipswich also built some road/rail tractor cranes on David Brown tractors for internal use.

While the Franna was initially developed for improved visibility, it didn’t take long for the capacity race to commence. The first crane had a capacity of 8t: this quickly grew to 10t

and then 12t; and a 16t model was introduced and quickly grew to 18t and then 20t capacity.

The need for a ‘budget’ model with lower road speed led to the MAC 12 being introduced in 1995, and the MAC-25 was introduced two years later. This success saw Terex buy Franna in 1999 and the Franna became the Terex/ Franna in the mid-2000s. Production is around 4400 units and the second prototype of a 40t crane on three axles is nearing completion, with production currently slated to commence in late November. Where will it all end?

Pick and carry cranes continue to be the core of most general crane hire companies. They are mobile, fast to set up and fast to pack up, with no outriggers to set. They fit the definition of a taxi crane in being able to arrive on site, do the job quickly and move onto the next job - several times in a day. Sometimes they may only spend 10 minutes on site.

31

CRANES IN ACTION: QUEENSLAND

They are also a good assist crane for fleets with larger cranes, and their mobility means that they can often be working elsewhere while the larger crane is working, and return to site for pack-up.

The current growth sector of the crane market, the telescopic boom crawler crane, even has a Queensland connection as well as good pick and carry capabilities. The 16t Kato NK160C started it all in the early 1970s, at which time Brisbane-based Kato Australasia handled Kato cranes in Australia and even built the chassis for Kato truck cranes there, complete with a Mack truck driveline that produced highway speeds not exceeded by the modern generation.

There are still some of the NK160C cranes operating, complete with 10-year inspections,

because they are easy to transport, quick to set up, do not require a lot of space to work in, and can work in low head height applications. These are some of the reasons for the popularity of the current generation of telescopic boom crawler cranes: it’s just the range of brands and sizes

of crane on the market that has changed, along with the boom lengths and winch capacities - a case of back to the future. And yes, a Queensland piling company was one of the first to see the merits of the current generation of CL telescopic crawlers.

The Austeng crane used a wheel loader base to overcome the capacity limitations of a tractor base.

The Sabre overcame forward visibility problems with tractor cranes.

Barely recognisable as a Franna - the prototype.

The numbers game – 3000th Franna at the 2009 CICA conference.

Skat - the mascot of the Queensland pick and carry team.

A pick and carry crane is the perfect taxi crane, being mobile between jobs and able to set up quickly, do the job quickly and quickly be on the road to the next job.

A pick and carry crane is a fleet asset for setting up and pulling down larger cranes, in addition to doing taxi crane work.

1970s era Kato NK160C telescopic boom crawler crane that pioneered the current growth sector.

32

September 2017

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SUCCESSION PLANNING

Succession planning in the crane industry

The Holt family has made an impact on the crane industry for well over half a century, but its attitude to succession planning is a little different to most. Greg Keane reports.

A

rthur Holt operated the Atlantic garage in Bendigo, and a transport business developed out of this, later diversifying into crane hire.

Arthur and his sons Ernie and Les were practical people, and fabricated trailers and modified or built cranes as part of this. Notable achievements were a crawler crane that married Stuart tank tracks and a five-ton Malcolm Moore tractor crane for use in snigging logs from a river, a hydraulically extending lattice boom crane built on a Linn half-track and the first tri-axle trailer built and registered in Australia for transporting heavy, indivisible loads.

This was a great environment for learning not only about practical fabrication to extend the capabilities of the business but also about the office side of running a business.

The core of the crane fleet, however, was offthe-shelf cranes with Coles, P&H and Lima lattice boom truck cranes, CAP hydraulic truck cranes that started with the LS3 and progressed through 34

the LM6, LM12, LM18 and LS20 to the first 35t LM70 in the country. As larger hydraulic cranes became available, Grove and Kato cranes joined the fleet. The early presence of large cranes meant that Arthur’s cranes travelled over much of Victoria and even interstate to undertake work.

Arthur did not believe in passing the business on to family; instead selling it in 1982. He felt that this gave his sons the choice of what they did, and that they had the background to build their own businesses should they choose to, but would learn the most by building such a business from scratch.

While Ernie started Holts Transport in Toowoomba, running road trains in Queensland and the Northern Territory with his sons and then buying a large cattle property, Les bought a crane business in Toowoomba in 1984 (Loughlin Cranes, which became Holts Crane Hire). By this time, a good range of cranes was available on the market and there was no need to reinvent the wheel. Innovation came largely in the specialised

transport side that complemented the cranes, although a notable exception was mounting the upper from a Grove truck crane on a trailer for improved mobilisation to oilfield jobs.

Holts Crane Hire took delivery of the first 180t Grove GMK 5180 all-terrain crane in the Southern Hemisphere in 1999. It extended its reach into the Brisbane-Gold Coast market with the purchase of Albert Crane Hire. This was convenient to the Gold Coast Motorway upgrade project and others in Northern NSW, with steerable jinkers developed in-house being an important component of bridge girder transport and erect work undertaken on most major projects in the region.

This business grew significantly when it bought the Brisbane Brambles crane operation in 2001 and Brambles QLD Heavy Haulage in 2002, introducing a 330t and two 140t Liebherr all-terrain cranes to the fleet. These were needed to service the growing bridge girder erection activity.

September 2017

Les and Leigh Holt collaborated on the road transport system for this unique Liebherr LTR 1100 in Leigh’s fleet.

Anthony Heeks started as an apprentice but experienced different aspects of the business in his path to becoming general manager in 2012.

Anthony (left) and Paul Heeks.

A project that highlighted the Holt skills with its upsized fleet was the transfer from barge, transport and erection of 20 tanks for a new brewery at Yatala, with the tanks having been transferred from a closed brewery in Sydney by barge to an offloading area on the Logan River.

A dolly and steerable rear bogie were designed to be attached to the tank, which effectively became part of the trailer chassis, and kept the height low for travelling under powerlines. At the brewery, the 330t Liebherr lifted the 180t Grove onto the mezzanine level of the brewery, where a gantry system was erected to lift the crane and transfer it to the rear to place six tanks in the rearmost penetrations that could not be reached from ground level. The remaining tanks were then placed from ground level.

The size and resourcefulness of the business made it a target when Boom Logistics was set up, and it was bought in 2003, with Les staying on for a while before retiring.

Les’ wife and three children worked with him in the family business, and son Leigh became the third generation of the Holt family in the crane business when he started Holt Lifting Services in Toowoomba in 2006.

September 2017

While the Boom transaction ended Les’ family business, he feels that Leigh has gained the same insights that he did in starting his own crane company after working in the family business. Les has been involved in the development of a front gooseneck and dolly/ rear four-axle bogie transport system that pins to the chassis of Leigh’s Liebherr LTR 1100 telescopic boom crawler crane for transport.

This reduces the height and weight for transport compared to using a float, and allows the crane to travel without having to remove the tracks.

Refinements include air bag suspension, and castor steering on the rear two axles for ease of manoeuvring on site.

Les also assisted Leigh to rebuild the steerable jinkers and low profile prime movers that were disposed of by Boom Logistics after acquiring them in the Holts Crane Hire acquisition. These give Leigh significant transport capabilities to complement the crane activities, and have led to some work on infrastructure projects.

The PACE of change PACE Cranes was founded by Paul Heeks (as P.A Construction Equipment Pty Ltd) in 1987, and his son Anthony’s time in the business goes back almost to its inception.

Anthony started as an apprentice (Paul’s time in the industry also started on the tools, before moving into sales), but experienced different aspects of the business in his path to becoming general manager in 2012.

In many ways, PACE can seem like an idyllic company - for a small business, it has remarkable stability of staff, which is no doubt a reflection of the interpersonal skills of the Heeks family. The path to generational succession seems to have gone smoothly and its key brands, Maeda and Sennebogen, are continuing to perform well in the market.

However, this synopsis greatly undersells the ability of Paul and Anthony to adapt to changes in the market, to look critically at the business - making adjustments where necessary, and to plan for the future, including succession.

A look at the history of PACE shows that it has represented a host of brands and types of crane over the years, with many of those brands having now disappeared from the market.

It also shows that at different times access equipment and even trenchers have also been represented, and Robway safety systems were sold and fitted.

When current hero brands Maeda and Sennebogen were taken on, PACE was pioneering not only a brand but also a type of crane that had little recognition in the market.

In both instances, cranes were put into a PACE hire fleet so that the market could test and appreciate them. In many instances, PACE could identify the likely end users, who generally did not want to own cranes, but couldn’t find a crane hirer willing to take the cranes on. The success of this strategy can be seen in the number of hirers with multiple units of these brands in their fleets, with PACE stepping back from hire so that it is not seen to be competing with its customers.

Anthony regards the GFC of 2008/09 as a pivotal time for focusing on business direction and succession planning. At the time, there was government assistance to cover 50% of the costs of succession planning, with a consultant available for 12 months to assist with this.

PACE undertook this program, and Paul gradually stepped back from the business as Anthony took more responsibility. This worked out well when Paul had health problems five years ago, as Anthony was ready to take on responsibility for running the business.

He has largely followed the existing business path, but paid close attention to both product support and parts and service, appointing key people with these primary responsibilities. His feeling was that PACE could not be all things to all people, and it was important ensure that the core products received good support and backup, including parts stock, as the quality of service was a key factor in business growth.

PACE will formally celebrate its 30-year anniversary, and opening of new premises, late this year.

CL 35

TOWER CRANES

Hup hup and away

The Hup 40-30 features a telescopic mast for a range of working heights. (Source: Manitowoc Cranes)

It’s been a while since Cranes and Lifting cast its eye on the self-erecting tower cranes space. What has been happening?

Where are the innovations? Jacqueline Ong finds out more.

S

imple, rapid, autonomous - these are the typical adjectives used when describing a self-erecting crane. And because of these characteristics as well as their smaller size and lower maximum lift rating compared with other types of tower cranes, self-erecting cranes have long been the equipment of choice at smaller construction sites where operators are required to repeatedly transport, set up, erect, and take down the machines over a short period of time and in constrained spaces.

One manufacturer has been leading the charge when it comes to innovation, launching two machines last year as part of a new range of self-erecting cranes.

At bauma 2016, Manitowoc officially launched its Potain Hup 40-30, saying it was part of a new generation of self-erecting cranes that would replace the Igo series.

“We are at the forefront of self-erecting crane development and our new Hup 40-30 demonstrates this,” Jean-Pierre Zaffiro, global product director for Potain self-erecting cranes at Manitowoc, said at the time.

“We have introduced several new features with the Hup range that will increase speed, efficiency and versatility for our customers.

These advancements will certainly increase return on investment for many lifters.”

The Hup 40-30 has a 40-metre jib and comprises 16 configurations unique to this category of self-erecting cranes. With a

36

maximum capacity of four tonnes, the crane can lift 1t at its jib end In April, Active Hire took delivery of Australia’s first Potain Hup cranes, of 40m. the Hup 32-27. (Source: Manitowoc Cranes) Like the Hup 32-27, also a fairly new product from Manitowoc that predecessors, the Igo 36, the Hup 32-27 was launched at the same event (more below), occupies the same footprint, making it ideal in the Hup 40-30 features a telescopic mast for tight spaces. a range of working heights. Its design boosts The Hup 32-27 has two footprint options the height under hook achievable by the crane - 4mx4m or 3.5mx4.42m - and three raised to 25.6m in its “low position” and 30m when positions of the luffing jib at 10°, 20° or 30°, extended to its greatest height. in addition to horizontal. To boost operator For further versatility, the Hup 40-30’s luffing efficiency, the crane has a new radio jib offers three positions - horizontal, 10° and remote control with a large colour screen 20°. Finally, for better agility - a must at these and easy-to-use navigation via jog dial. smaller construction sites - the Hup 40-30 In April, the first Potain Hup cranes landed has a high-performance slewing radius that on our shores, with Active Hire in Somersby allows it to be positioned closer to buildings. on NSW’s Central Coast, taking delivery of two A transport package that is just 14m long when Hup 32-27s. folded makes the Hup 40-30 easy to move from And Active Hire has not wasted a minute, site to site. putting the machines to work immediately on a Meanwhile, the Hup 32-27, the first from the residential development project in Ryde where new Potain Hup range, boasts a flexible mast they are working to construct a seven-storey system allowing operators to use the crane in apartment building. a range of scenarios at a site. It also features “The Hup fills a gap between large an adjustable two-section mast with a third self-erecting cranes and small tower section within the second, allowing the third cranes. It is small and flexible enough to mast section to be telescoped out, boosting its handle construction work for four-storey to working height to 27m. seven-storey developments,” Active Hire The Hup 32-27 has a maximum capacity managing director, Hermann Buchberger said. of 4t and can lift 1t at its jib end of 32m. Its “It’s more user-friendly than the alternatives rear-slewing radius of 2.25m means it can and the commissioning is faster, which saves be positioned closer to buildings. And even us time and money.” though the new crane is taller than one of its CL September 2017

Industry-led independent inspection program

Introducing the CraneSafe Assessment App. After 13 years the national industry–led Inspection Program is now electronic Features include ■ P hoto and video capture of specific crane information to assist in record keeping and repair schedules ■ G eneration of a maintenance list that can be used by the workshop to complete repairs ■ C aptive information is used to monitor items that are deemed satisfactory at the time of assessment, but should be monitored during the upcoming 12 months ■ N o more sending in white copies to the CraneSafe office ■ A ll existing information that has been used for industry lobbying with road regulators will now be more accurately captured digitally ■ C rane information and photos can assist with the assessment of a crane’s design life, and whether a major inspection is required ■ A ssessments can automatically be added to your company’s unique CICA Member profile, to consolidate records and ease paperwork requirements of clients.

CICA075RMC

®

www.cranesafe.com.au

CraneSafe is a division of CICA Australia’s not-for-profit Crane Organization

New

LIFTING AND RIGGING

Creating a win-win In a surprisingly frank interview with Cranes and Lifting publisher Ross May, A. Noble & Son CEO Guy Roberts talks about turning around the 100-year-old Adelaide lifting and rigging specialist and the steps Roberts believes will set Nobles apart in delivering a win-win for the company and its customers.

Nobles CEO, Guy Roberts.

R

oberts joined Nobles in early 2016 in the face of reduced demand following the end of the mining boom. Talking about the challenge Roberts said: “Nobles, like the rest of the industry, had to face the reality of reduced demand. Most didn’t see the end of the mining boom coming, and when they did the response wasn’t quick enough.

“What I discovered at Nobles was that for the greatly reduced market size, we had an over investment in assets and fixed costs.

“The industry has been around for over 100 years in Australia and not a lot has changed in terms of delivery. The market, at the request of customers, had put assets close to customers to provide immediate service. Understandably customer preference is for a chain sling or wire rope to be at the end of a phone call and available immediately.”

A year on and a new Nobles is taking shape which according to Roberts carries forward the high technical standards Nobles is known for and combines these with a realistic and sustainable product and service offering.

“When I joined Nobles, it was clear the sector was unsustainable. There had to be a reduction in the size and number of branches we operated. The key question was how to achieve this and at the same time deliver acceptable levels of customer satisfaction and sustainable profitability.

September 2017

When I joined Nobles, it was clear the sector was unsustainable. There had to be a reduction in the size and number of branches we operated. The key question was how to achieve this and at the same time deliver acceptable levels of customer satisfaction and sustainable profitability.

To Roberts’ credit he has retained 13 branches of the original 17 and has focussed these branches on the fundamental customer requirements of service and maintenance.

Manufacturing has been consolidated in capital city branches, which has helped to reduce capital requirements and allowed for a reduction in staff numbers, as has the consolidation of stock holding into a single national ‘hub and spoke’ system.

And whilst the process has not been without pain, the changes have enabled Nobles to reinvest in new functional expertise, such as improving business systems, upgrading customer service and sales capabilities and maintaining the largest fleet of technicians in the sector.

A clear set of service and delivery standards has been implemented which gives customers certainty. This includes a commitment to despatch in-stock items within 24 hours and standard manufactured products within four working days.

Roberts is mindful that the sector is driven by standards and is cautious to change. Yet early feedback is encouraging with most customers supportive.

When asked what’s next? Roberts replied: “We see ourselves as Australia’s leading national lifting and rigging specialist.

Our primary competitors, like Blackwoods Lifting and Bunzl Safety, are divisions within larger companies. Our focus will remain exclusively on delivering complete solutions for our customers lifting and rigging needs.”

This year, CICA’s annual conference is being held in Nobles’ hometown of Adelaide from October 19-21. Nobles is sponsoring the networking dinner on the 19th. If you’d like to know more about the transition taking place at Nobles, get yourself over to Adelaide and say hi to Guy Roberts.

CL 39

PROJECTS

Adelaide O-Bahn bus tunnel lifts in pictures The O-Bahn City Access Project being constructed in Adelaide by McConnell Dowell for the South Australian government is nearing completion. Greg Keane reports.

E

xtensive crane work has been part of this, with some of the more interesting aspects being the placement of the final roof planks for the tunnel and the placement of beams for a shared path bridge over the River Torrens.

Tunnel roof planks The last of the roof planks for the O-Bahn City Access Project being constructed in Adelaide by McConnell Dowell for the South Australian government were installed on Hackney Road in late May (see picture on the right). To minimise traffic disruption, work was undertaken over two weekends, and the roof planks were post-tensioned in sets of three, totalling approximately 55 tonnes to minimise the number of lifts.

An all-terrain crane had its outriggers set so that when lifting, the weight was placed over the tunnel walls. A sequence of picking the roof module from transport, slewing and then placing the module on the corbel supports was followed.

After this, the crane outriggers were raised slightly and the crane drove forward over the previously placed roof to lift the next module

into position. This sequence, and the timing of the work, minimised the overall time taken, and the disruption to traffic near the CBD. Earlier in the project, Frannas were used to individually place roof planks in Dequetteville Terrace.

40

September 2017

Shared use path bridge Earlier in the project, three 55t concrete beams were placed for a new shared use bridge over the River Torrens near Hackney Road. A dual crane lift was required for placing the beams and three all-terrain cranes were used: a 350t unit at road level but just inside the park and a 250t and 200t crane on the embankments on either side of the river. This meant that the smaller two cranes did not have to reposition during the lift program.

The first beam was picked up from transport by the 350t and 250t cranes working at short radius.

The 350t crane then slewed under the powerlines as the 250t crane held station. When the 250t crane had slewed sufficiently, the 350t crane also slewed under the powerline and the beam was positioned on its piers. The cranes boomed in and out as required during this sequence.

A similar method was used by the 250t and 200t cranes for the river span, and then the 350t crane repositioned to the opposite side of the Torrens River to dual lift the final beam with the 200t crane. A spotter in a work platform was used to ensure that the required minimum

1

clearance between the powerlines and crane boom was maintained at all times.

Key aspects of the project were ongoing liaison with SA Power Networks for working in proximity to powerlines, placement of engineered fill on the embankments for the crane pads and outrigger locations, and planning the riverside access for the cranes, as well as the egress once the new beams were in position.

Samaras provided lifting services for both the roof plank and shared used bridge works, as well as a range of other activities on the project. C L

350t crane slewing the first beam under the powerlines.

2

3

Both cranes clearing the powerlines and slewing towards the piers with the first beam.

4

First beam nearing its piers.

The process was repeated, using different crane combinations, for the second and third spans.

September 2017

41

RETRO CRANES

Don Wilson’s crusade to save historic cranes

Lorain LC4 in the colours of family business Lake Salvage, recovering an old gravity water tank at Sea Lake.

Don Wilson has been around cranes and rigging all his life. He grew up in a family business that encompassed scrap and demolition, and cranes and rigging were an integral part of this. Greg Keane reports.

D

on continued in this line of business, and along the way he has picked up an eclectic collection of cranes that he prefers to hang onto rather than dispose of for scrap metal value.

His wife Iris is an integral part of the business, not only handling the bookwork side of things but also able to operate virtually any vehicle or plant item that Don can.

The crane connection transferred to son Andrew, who operated a crane business as part of the Forbes-Wilson business for many years (the crane business was sold, but the group’s other interests continue).

These images below depict just a fraction of Don’s collection, which includes CL cranes operated by some of the pioneers of crane hire in Australia.

Don Wilson (right) and Greg Keane standing in front of a Ramsomes Rapier tricycle crane that worked on the Sydney Harbour Bridge project in Yellow Express colours.

42

Cranes and Lifting played a role in identifying Don’s crane, previously thought to be a CAP, as the one-off Steelweld prototype shown in this 1960 picture.

One of the tricycle cranes built from car and truck components by Frank Clarke for handling steel on the Melbourne wharves.

September 2017

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CRANE TYRES & TRACKS Pictured: A crane tyre and wheel. (Credit: Mark Morgan, Flickr CC)

Matching the tyre with the application In Australia, crane tyres are subject to a number of strict requirements in order to guarantee both their quality and safety and having the right tyre matched with its intended application from the start provides the best outcomes and outputs for distributors and operators, writes Jan Arreza.

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45

CRANE TYRES & TRACKS

T

he diversity of equipment in the marketplace is growing and today, we are seeing more brands and expanded ranges offered by the leading manufacturers.

Bearcat Tyres national sales & marketing manager Glen Wolfenden says this diversity allows the lifting and handling industry to grow as it now has access to unique equipment that could benefit operators and their cranes in the jobs that they do.

“In this industry, having the right tyre matched to the application provides a safer, more secure, and the very best outcomes and outputs for the companies and their operators,” Wolfenden said, adding that this diversity however, is a challenge for the tyre folks.

“With that comes the challenge for manufacturers and distributors around the world to understand and appreciate the equipment, the conditions, and the applications,” he said.

“We have a strong connection with the industry and they rely on us to be at the forefront of technology for tyres to support their business, so when we look at tyre products, we look at everything that is available today and in the future.”

46

Choosing the right tyre CICA NSW branch chairman Paul Churchill told Cranes and Lifting that the RMS informs the sector on which tyres they should use on each crane.

“The size, the speed rating and the load rating are dictated by the road authority, and the only thing that’s going to change is brand preference over another,” Churchill said.

“The only concern with that is that some years ago, we used to require a 525 tyre to get six-tonne loading on the tyre by the authorities, but we now only have to use a 445.

“When we were using 20.5 – and it still is an issue in some parts of the industry – there was a shortage of that size in the load ratings and the speed ratings that are required by the authorities. Because of this, some people were inadvertently purchasing a tyre that was basically an earthmoving tyre, which was only rated at 45km/h, so that was an issue.”

JPM Cranes owner/director John March adds to this by pointing out that unfortunately, the tyres that are recommended are not always available or are cost prohibitive for some smaller organisations.

“As the majority of our work is done within the Sydney basin, we require tyres to withstand

the variety of road surfaces and construction site access, and the terrain that we work on,” March said.

“We currently run Infinity brand tyres on our Franna and Pirelli on our city cranes, and Michelin or Bridgestone on our all-terrains. The reason for using these brands is based purely on availability and being cost-effective for our company.

“Regarding new products or innovation in the marketplace, I obtain my information from trade shows, conferences and the Internet. What is boils down to, as an operator of a small business in a very competitive marketplace, is cost,” he added.

A crane tyre must have a deep, preferably self-cleaning profile, which can grip well in different circumstances, hence these should be manufactured from excellent rubber and other constituents.

The versatile profile is therefore suitable for pulling both forwards and backwards, and a solid flat running surface and reinforced sidewalls contribute even more to the stability of the crane.

Failure to maintain stability is one of the key factors associated with serious crane incidents, and the ground conditions and means of supporting the outrigger pads or the crane tyres must be considered.

September 2017

A side slope of only two or three degrees can have a drastic effect on the stability of the crane. Soft ground, pneumatic tyres and suspension movement will also tend to increase the side angle of the crane and make the risk of overturning greater.

In terms of ground pressure, crane manufacturers and suppliers of pick-and-carry cranes need to provide documented information on the maximum pressure applied by the crane’s tyres to the supporting surface.

“Having the right product on from the outset will give you that long-term, troublefree running of your equipment, and one needs to keep in mind that a lot of equipment in the marketplace for lifting and handling is flat-proof,” Wolfenden said.

“These flat-proof tyres are required by law because they have the stability that is required to lift an item without worrying about air being released out of the tyre, which can cause instability.

“So, matching the right tyre on the machine from the outset and flat-proofing the tyre, you go into service and you don’t have any problems.

These properties do not only apply for new tyres. Re-treaded tyres are also highly suitable for various applications, and are subject to rigorous testing in order to guarantee a perfect quality tyre.

Although, Churchill does state that as a wide-ranging rule of thumb, re-treaded tyres are not suitable for all-terrain cranes.

“I think it’s fair to say that most people would not use a re-treaded tyre on an all-terrain crane,” Churchill said.

“The reason for that is if the tread does lift and come away, the damage it causes to the machine – due to a lot of the hydraulic pipes and wiring goes down underneath the guards from one end of the crane to another. A tread coming off could absolutely cause a very expensive mess.”

Wolfenden says that today, rough terrain

cranes are a big and growing part of the marketplace, and because of that, new tyre solutions are becoming available.

“With things like solid tyres, which are obviously for heavy-duty applications, we are seeing the development of different tread pattern designs for them to become less rigid, have better shock absorption, and are better on comfort.

“We are also seeing a lot of the crane tyre development with tread patterns on high-speed crane tyres, where tread patterns are designed to reduce road noise and vibration on cranes.”

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47

CRANE TYRES & TRACKS

As for new tyres to look out for in the market, Wolfenden points to the new 793s multi-purpose traction tyres from Camso, which are being made available in the Australian market.

“It has got an unusual sidewall system on our solid tyre, which is actually a honeycomb type of sidewall that allows the solid tyre to flex and have shock absorption qualities better than nearly any other product that’s been in the marketplace,” Wolfenden said.

“What these products will do now is provide better shock absorption comfort, better stability, better ride from a solid tyre on a smaller type machine, so it’s going to really impress a lot of the operators and owners out there with better ride quality.

We are really impressed to see the new technology on machines.”

CL

A JPM crane installing a spa at a Kellyville site.

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24 HR – 7 DAY September 2017

MINI CRAWLERS

Traditional spider leg cranes are ideal for confined spaces such as working inside buildings.

A foot in the door with mini crawler cranes Dylan Cooper started Cooper Heavy Industries in 2009, when he was just 21 years of age. He undertook an apprenticeship with Liebherr, but his preference for his own business was to own compact cranes predominantly Maeda mini crawler cranes, writes Greg Keane.

H

e saw that with larger cranes, he would often be subcontracting to larger crane hirers, often without control over the lift planning and other aspects of the work.

With compact cranes, he could deal directly with the customers and use his knowledge of crane positioning and operation to both benefit the client and build a reputation for service.

Cooper saw the strength of mini crawler cranes as being their ability to be positioned close to the final location of the load, whereas a larger crane operates at significant distance from the placement position because of the space required for it to set up in. In the CBD and other densely populated locations, this can mean setting up on the street with lane closures, traffic management and other issues to contend with.

Cooper Heavy Industries quickly developed a reputation for service that built a core of repeat 50

customers. While builders have been part of this base, and the ability of mini crawler cranes to work on suspended slabs is a big plus, the railway also became a big market.

The compact cranes were small and light enough to be lifted onto island platforms to undertake work without interference with overhead structures and power lines.

The success of the business forced Cooper to review his definition of a compact crane, and to broaden the scope of the business beyond cranes. The size issue was something faced even with mini crawler cranes. In their early incarnation, they were remote operated crawler machines with spider legs that provided a broad base for lifting but a compact profile for travel.

Like many in the industry, Cooper wondered whether the emergence of larger cranes on a mini excavator platform, and with an operator cab, had

taken away the reasons for the success of mini crawler cranes. He was quickly sold on them, and realised that there a place for both types of crane.

City cranes were an early addition to the Cooper Heavy Industries fleet, suiting work where an all-terrain crane would be too large for the set-up space available. There was also a place a vehicle loading cranes, where transport and cranage could be undertaken by a single machine: convenient where there are access issues or where the mobility of the truck is an asset, and for compact all terrain cranes.

The most recent acquisition is a 50t Liebherr LTC 1050-3.1 3-axle 6x6x6 crane with compact length and width, and minimal forward boom projection.

Acquisitions such as this, and purchase of compact earthmoving equipment, has been driven by customer requests of: “Can you also do this?�

September 2017

Cooper prefers to deal with a comparatively small core of repeat customers and, where possible, to find cost-effective ways to say “yes” to their requests that fall a little outside the previous scope of work while saying “no” to things that cannot be done to the satisfaction of all parties.

An important aspect of the service culture is that Cooper either operates a crane or works as a dogman on most days, so that he has a firsthand grasp of what can and cannot be done when talking to clients.

This wasn’t always the case, but with a site supervisor and a safety operator now in place in addition to the 12 operators, Cooper has been able to resume a more hands-on role.

As a young person in an industry that doesn’t have a lot of young business owners, many would expect Cooper to have had a mentor to assist in the growth of his business. However, while he has owners of non-competing businesses that he talks to from time to time, he found listening to advice from within the industry could be confusing and he was better off working things out for himself.

Cooper said: “I think the main reason for the growth of the business has been that, before working for a new client, I ask myself, ‘would I work for this company or person as a direct employee, and would I have the courage to speak up if things didn’t seem to be adding up on the job?’

“Being accountable, and having a proactive approach to projects and investing in assets such as new staff, new equipment and the right auxiliary equipment: clients love seeing neat, clean equipment and personnel.

“Word of mouth is the best thing for growth we have grown with our clients, without the need for flash advertising or sponsorship of a V8 Super Car team.

“I love nothing more than getting a phone call saying, ‘we had such and such a company here and their machine broke down, their staff were rude and lazy or they could not do the job. It makes our job easy.

“It’s really not that hard to treat people how you would like to be treated, and do the right thing by your clients.”

The high level of rail activity in Sydney, not only with the traditional passenger rail network but also with light rail and the Metro construction, has continued to bring work to the business but the diversity of clients means that work is not dependent on a single sector.

With a focus on service, Cooper expects this in turn from his suppliers, and has been pleased with the support of PACE Cranes with the Maeda cranes, and Liebherr with the larger cranes. However, there are other brands that he would prefer to steer clear of because of past dissatisfaction with service.

As to the future, Cooper believes that ultimately the requirements of customers will dictate the size and composition of the business, but compact cranes will continue to be a core strength.

CL September 2017

Coopers Heavy Industries has its own tilt tray for moving its mini crawler cranes.

Slewing mini crawler cranes have created their own niche in the market.

51

CANZ CONFERENCE

Lifting your game In a blink of an eye, the 2017 Cranes Association of New Zealand (CANZ) Conference and trade show has come and gone. And what an event it was!

Insightful seminars were run and awards were given - more on page 54 - but first, here are the best snaps of this year’s conference.

All set up and ready to go.

The event kicked off with The Originals Welcome Reception.

Business is always better conducted over a glass of red.

Happiness is a full belly.

All images courtesy of CANZ.

52

September 2017

Then there was the conference dinner and awards night...

Exhibitors flaunt their kit in Rotorua.

Keynote speaker, Ngahihi o te ra Bidois, opened the show, urging the sector to “step into leadership�.

CANZ executive officer, Rod Auton was named Crane Leader of the Year.

All images courtesy of CANZ.

September 2017

53

CANZ CONFERENCE

Celebrating success One of the standout sessions at this year’s CANZ conference and trade show, held in Rotorua, New Zealand from July 19 to 21, was Meridian Energy’s presentation on working around windfarms.

M

eridian’s project manager, Hamish Scott, detailed the company’s decision to shift from a fractured, site-specific lift planning process to a single source contract with McLeod Cranes, saying the move was driven by the Board’s desire for greater consistency and improved risk management. This more active audit process and heightened awareness followed the Pike River mine disaster findings.

In 2004, Meridian completed the construction of its first wind farm and today - 13 years later the company’s active maintenance program has resulted in 22 crane operations.

For each crane operation, the project manager creates a project plan - a process that typically takes two to three weeks.

The plan includes lift plans, hard-stand inspections, a competency matrix, all equipment certification and HSE documentation, logistics and testing.

Each project plan is then approved by two managers and an HSE specialist prior to progressing. Further safety and compliance measures include a random plan audit by an independent auditor every six months, and placing both a lift supervisor and safety supervisor on-site for each operation with the primary safety focus on mounting and de-mounting of cranes.

A crane operation typically includes multiple lifts with the likes of a rotor operation totalling 20 separate lifts and requiring two cranes - one to lift the 42-tonne rotor and one to tilt the rotor from horizontal to vertical. Other components include a generator (7000kg); gearbox (16,500kg) and main bearing (5500kg).

Meridian has also implemented a more structured access and hard-stand maintenance

program including management of water tables and spraying.

Another speaker who stole the show was Ngahihi o te ra Bidois who opened the conference on day one. He called on the New Zealand crane industry to recognise its extraordinary success and contribution to the country and urged the sector to “step into leadership.

Ngahihi believes that leadership starts with the

person in the mirror. Through tales of his own journey from early success in a ‘white man’s’ world to later embracing his Maori culture, Ngahihi brought ancient wisdom to modern solutions.

In keeping with the theme of recognising the sector’s success, day three of the event ended with a bang as companies and individuals were recognised for their excellence and efforts at the conference dinner and awards night.

CL

THIS YEAR’S WINNERS ARE: The Skills 2017 Training Awards

Crane Trainee of the Year: Henry Heta, Prolift Crane Hire, Auckland.

PTE Crane Trainer of the Year: Norman Kete, Safety ‘n Action, Auckland.

Crane Trainer of the Year: Lee Liddelow, HEB Construction, Tauranga.

Crane Leader of the Year: Rod Auton, Crane Association of New Zealand, Inc, Wellington.

UDC Project of the Year:

Smith Crane & Construction Ltd - Midland Line Bridge.

Lift of the Year:

McIntosh Farm Machinery & Cranes.

Weighload Trophy Award:

Ron Brown, Transport Specifications Ltd Ret.

Life Membership Awards:

Winston Martyn, AV Martyn (1968) Ltd. Ron Brown, Transport Specifications Ltd Ret. Ian Roebuck, Ian Roebuck Crane Hire Ltd.

Trade Exhibition Awards

Best Booth Winner: Titan Equipment/Terex/Kato.

Crane Exhibition Passport Winner: Lee Liddelow, HEB Construction.

The Skills Organisation’s Lance Riesterer (right) presented the 2017 Crane Trainee of the Year award to Henry Heta from Prolift Crane Hire in Auckland.

In 2017, the Lift of the Year (formerly Project of the Year) Award went to McIntosh Farm Machinery & Cranes.

Images courtesy of CANZ.

54

September 2017

ASIA PACIFIC REPORT: BRUNEI

A deep well of opportunity Located on the north coast island of Borneo in Southeast Asia, the Nation of Brunei is one of the smallest nations on earth but don’t be fooled by its size, it has one of the world’s highest standards of living, in large part due to its ample oil and gas reserves. Jacqueline Ong reports.

The Konecranes CXT wire rope hoist cranes utilise the latest technology for improved load accuracy, versatility and ease of use.

L

ed by the head of state, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Brunei shares its border with the Malaysian state of Sarawak. It is a tax haven and its economy is almost completely supported by natural gas and oil - Brunei is the third largest oil producer in Southeast Asia, averaging some 29,000m3 of oil a day. In April, the nation gained new ground in oil exploration, making its first significant onshore discovery in 37 years - the Layang Layang Well in the Lumut area.

Opportunities abound in Brunei and global lifting equipment specialist, Konecranes, is one company that has achieved success in the sovereign state. Operating in Brunei through its Malaysian office, including all preventative and scheduled crane maintenance, Konecranes says it sees the highest level of economic activity and greatest potential for new projects in the oil and gas sector and major players such as Shell have been significant contributors to the increased activity in this space.

Capturing opportunities head on, Konecranes was recently selected to supply overhead cranes to an oil and gas company in Brunei.

As the project has only just been established and due to commercial confidentiality reasons, Konecranes was unable to reveal the company’s name but shed light on what the project entails.

It said it succeeded in securing the contract thanks to its flexibility, pointing to a competitor that had offered a proposal, which created an issue where the crane lifting height affected the building design and construction cost.

Konecranes was able to to supply two 10-tonne and two 20-tonne CXT electric overhead traveling cranes in a better configuration that suited the building, contained construction costs, and optimised overall completion.

The four CXT cranes come with a trolley and bridge inverter control system to eliminate the initial swaying of the load and make the lifting task safer and more efficient. Konecranes September 2017

said the new cranes will be used primarily in assembly and warehousing, where their reliability, efficiency and safety will provide optimum performance for the Brunei-based company.

“When working in tight spaces, such as assembly lines and warehouses, eliminating load sway is a key challenge. It means that cranes can work closer together, and closer to other machinery, without the risk of collisions,” Konecranes Asia-Pacific regional sales manager Patrick Lim told Cranes and Lifting.

The newly built oil and gas facility will act as a warehouse and service centre in Brunei.

Service and back-up will be provided by the nearby Konecranes Malaysia office.

CL

Konecranes’ CXT Cranes KONECRANES’ CXT wire rope hoist cranes are designed to be industry benchmarks of safety and ergonomics, with easy and effective load handling and optimum dimensions for space saving solutions. They also utilise the latest technology for improved load accuracy, versatility and ease of use.

Key features include: • Space efficiency: the CXT’s compact design allows the machine to operate closer to the walls, lift loads high, and ultimately save valuable space.

• Strength: depending on the model, the CXT can lift up to 80 tonnes. The new rope reeving system also extends the lifetime of the ropes by as much as 40%.

• Safety: high quality components and precise manufacturing based on years of experience enable enhanced durability of the hoist.

Konecranes’ product development has also invested in speeding up and extending hoist operation cycles, and in crane safety and durability. Features that have resulted from this R&D include: • Speed: the latest CXT wire rope hoists are available with adaptive speed ranges.

• Adaptive Speed Range (ASR): the stepless hoisting movement control method allows very slow speeds. It also has the ability to lift up to 50% faster than traditional hoisting control.

• Extended Speed Range (ESR): an extension of the ASR that allows even slower speeds.

• Positioning and area control: designed to assist the operator in positioning the load more efficiently and accurately.

55

ASIA PACIFIC REPORT: TIMOR LESTE

A port to serve for decades to come

The Tibar Bay Port site. (Source: Timor PPP Investor)

Timor-Leste or East Timor - “Timor” comes from the Malay word timur, which means “east”, essentially making East Timor “east east” - is a relatively young nation, having achieved independence just 15 years ago after a decades-long struggle for independence from Indonesia. Jacqueline Ong reports.

A

n island country in the eastern Lesser Sunda Islands at the southern extreme of the Malay Archipelego, and occupying half the island of Timor, the nearby islands of Jaco and Atauro, as well as the Ambeno enclave including the town of Pante Makasar, the Southeast Asian nation is home to some 3.5 million people where 40 or so different Papuan and Malayan languages or dialects are spoken.

Casting your eye on the nation’s economy, you’ll find that hydrocarbon production from offshore natural gas deposits contributes a large part to the economy in terms of value. Agriculture is also a key and longstanding feature, while marble quarrying for export is vital.

Timor-Leste is the 170th largest export economy in the world, exporting US$306 million (AU$384.86 million) in 2015 while at the same time importing US$310 million. Top exports include crude petroleum (US$283 million), coffee (US$11.7 million), and petroleum gas (US$6.46 million).

In June last year, a decision was made by the Timor Leste government to build a new port at Tibar, some 12km west of the capital Dili, a port that would serve Timor-Leste for decades to come.

The government noted at the time that the Port of Dili had become an economic 56

bottleneck due to a number of limitations, from an inadequate layout to draft restrictions that hindered access by larger ships. Additionally, there was no available land to extend the port.

Thus, on June 3, 2016, marking the nation’s first ever public-private partnership, the government signed an agreement with Timor Port S.A after a public tender process, granting the latter a 30-year concession to design, co-finance, build, operate and transfer back a new international container and cargo port at Tibar.

Timor Port SA’s work Registered in Timor-Leste, Timor Port S.A is owned by French port concessions and logistics giant Bolloré Group. The brief given to them by the government was this: build a “state-of-the-art port with a 630m-long berth (compared to 289m at Dili Port) and the equipment to ensure quick and efficient movement of containers and cargo.”

“The new Port will be able to accommodate much larger ships than Dili Port (maximum vessel size will be 3500 TEU initially and 7000 TEU by the end of the concession period), which will allow for savings in freight costs which will ultimately mean lower consumer prices. The capacity, and the design specifications, are such as to ensure that the Port will be able to serve the country for many decades to come,

well beyond the 30 years of the concession period,” the government said.

Construction of the US$278.3 million port - US$129.45 million will be funded by the government and US$145.85 will be borne by Bolloré Group - commenced on June 15 this year, a year after the contract was signed.

Construction is expected to finish in 2020.

To ensure that the new port is in line with some of the world’s biggest ports, Bolloré Group has its work cut out for it and has said that three years of work will be necessary to transform this greenfield into a high-performance port complex with high levels of productivity and performance.

To help elevate the new port to where it has to be, specifically to meet the government’s brief to install equipment that would “ensure quick and efficient movement of containers and cargo”, Bolloré Group will be acquiring new “ultra-modern equipment” that meets the highest international standards, including two ship-to-shore cranes and five rubber tyred gantry cranes - all of which will operate on start-up.

It is still early days with construction having only commenced in June but Cranes and Lifting will be keeping an eye on the project’s progress, with particular interest in its marine crane capacity and machine selection that will ensure CL the port meets its intended goals.

September 2017

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