Latest Concepts in Offshore Lift Crane Design

Abstract

Abstract This presentation describes how offshore operators were instrumental in developing specifications for marine lift cranes and how their specifications were translated into a new crane configuration especially suited to the ocean environment. The resulting crane design represents an effort to improve the safety and reliability of material handling offshore. Historically, the stationary cranes used in offshore service have generally been adaptions of land crane upper works. Recognizing that this type of adaption might not fully meet the special needs of the offshore industry, field studies were conducted to determine the features and performance required for cranes in offshore service. A summary of this industry study and the resulting new lift crane designs are contained in this paper. THE OFFSHORE INDUSTRY SURVEY The twofold purpose of the survey of offshore operators was first to determine the needs and wants of the offshore industry and second to learn from the experience of longtime operators in the business. Using their stated-requirements and suggestions, crane specifications were gradually developed as the program progressed. When machine specifications appeared reasonably well established, preliminary machine designs were developed. These preliminary designs and the supporting specifications were further refined through continuing interviews until it was determined that final designs could be established. Over a period of 18 months, more than 50 interviews were conducted with people involved in specifying, purchasing or operating lift cranes purchasing or operating lift cranes in the offshore and marine industries.