The largest harbour crane in the UK will be arriving at Able Seaton Port today, marking a major step forward in Able UK’s expansion of its port facilities on both the Tees and the Humber.
The multi-million Leibherr LHM600SHL mobile crane is being delivered from Rostock in Germany. It has been specially adapted to meet Able’s specialist requirements. It is able to lift 208 tonnes, has a 58 metres radius with its hook height increased from the standard 45 metres to 64 metres, together with an increased fulcrum height in order to reach over tall structures such as semi-submersible oil rigs. It will be used for wide range of activities associated with handling project cargo, particularly components for the offshore wind sector, as well as maintaining offshore oil and gas drilling rigs and other general port-related activities.
40 new job
It is expected that around 40 new jobs will be created as a result of this investment. The arrival of the crane follows on from a recent series of positive announcements for the company – including the granting by the Government of a development Consent Order for its 900-acre Able Marine Energy Park project on the South Bank of the Humber.
It was also announced recently that Able has been awarded a contract for the disposal of four offshore structures from the Shell operated Brent Field in the North Sea. The contract will see three platform topsides, as well as a 138m high steel platform jacket, transported from the Brent field over 100 miles north east of Scotland to Able Seaton Port.
Able’s UK Managing Director Andrew Jacques says, “The acquisition of this specialist crane underlines our future proofing to ensure that we continue to provide the best possible service to meet the needs of our customers…it will certainly help to attract more business to Seaton Port and the Tees. providing more opportunities for local businesses and further complimenting the construction of new quays at Seaton Port—one of which will be used for loading of single-piece offshore structures of up to 48,000 tonnes.”