The Dutch crane manufacturer Huisman based in Schiedam has obtained an order to build the world’s largest crane for a[ds_preview] 214m semi-submersible crane vessel. The company, which was recently awarded most successful Dutch manufacturing company 2014, has secured the order for Heerema’s new semi-submersible crane vessel (NSCV) designed by GVA Engineering for large marine construction works. The NSCV will be self-propelled with a transit speed of 10 kn.
The crane boom will have a length of 145m and with the boom up, the crane will reach a height of 210m above the waterline. In revolving mode the crane will be capable of lifting 10,000t at a radius of 48m. The crane’s base features large bearings, according to Huisman a »step change« for the industry as the enclosed bearing design allows for very accurate control of the slewing action, and also means less maintenance. These bearings will need a diameter of no less than 30m and Huisman is manufacturing them in-house. Another bonus is the lightweight design. This special design used by Huisman is becoming more and more accepted in the industry as »Seven Borealis« floating crane and pipe layer vessel (built 2009) also uses the technique of slewing the crane around on bearings. This is also true to Heerema’s crane »Aegir« built prior to the latest order.
