Able UK, an operator of ship dismantling facilities in the United Kingdom, says it has taken possession of a large Liebherr LHM600SHL mobile harbor crane. The crane, shipped from Liebherr’s Rostock, Germany, facility, has been specially adapted to allow Able UK to lift up to 208 metric tons.
Able UKÂ says the Liebherr LHM600SHL is the largest crane of its type operating in the United Kingdom. The standard hook height has been extended by 19 meters to 64 meters, along with an increased fulcrum height in order to reach over tall structures such as semi-submersible oil rigs.
The Able group specializes in the recycling and decommissioning of end-of-life marine structures. The Liebherr crane has been sent to its Seaton, England, facility is home to one of the largest dry docks in the world.
The new crane will help Able process and dismantle four offshore oil rig structures being delivered to its Seaton facility from the North Sea. The contract will see three platform topsides, as well as a 138-meter-high steel platform jacket, transported from the Brent field more than 100 miles northeast of Scotland to Able’s Seaton port.
“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,†says Able UK Managing Director Andrew Jacque. “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 metric tons.â€
