New Deck Crane Installed on ABP Workboat at Port of Southampton, UK

en.Wedoany.com Reported - On September 23, Associated British Ports (ABP) completed the installation, commissioning, and entry into service of an HS.Marine AK 30 HE4 marine deck crane on the Port of Southampton workboat Spartina. The new equipment was supplied, installed, and commissioned by local company Marine Cranes, replacing the original deck crane that had reached the end of its service life.

The new crane has a safe working load of 1,050 kg at a maximum working radius of 14.66 meters, is equipped with a hydraulic continuous slewing system and wireless remote control, and features a flame metal spray coating for corrosion protection. It is primarily intended for cargo handling and maintenance operations in the port area's long-term marine environment.

This retrofit did not involve reworking the hull structure of Spartina. Marine Cranes designed a dedicated conversion adapter structure based on the vessel's original foundation and bolted connection locations, enabling the new equipment to be assembled directly using the existing mounting foundation. The project also involved specialized services including local steel structure fabrication, naval architecture, and maritime inspection.

After installation was completed, a load test was carried out aboard Spartina at 125% of the safe working load, with the test process witnessed on site by a surveyor from the certification body and the vessel's captain. Following completion of load verification, the new crane entered the port's operational equipment system.

Spartina is an active workboat at the Port of Southampton, and the new equipment primarily undertakes in-port maritime maintenance and related lifting tasks. Marine Cranes will subsequently provide operational-period services for the crane in accordance with a planned maintenance program.