It took one week to install the Liebherr crane on the barge in May 2010. By June the WIND was already at work in a Dutch offshore wind farm. Since then, the concept of the telescopic crane on the jack-up barge has proved successful.
The Liebherr LTR 11200 crawler crane was developed primarily to serve wind farms. The telescopic crane has now also mastered its first commitments on the high seas. Danish shipowner DBB Jack-Up Services A/S made arrangements with the company in the early part of this year to mount the superstructure of an LTR 11200 on a self-propelled jack-up barge, WIND. The connection between the slewing ring and the barge is provided by a stable tube element, which is welded into the barge’s structure. WIND is the first ship to have a permanently-mounted telescopic crane on board.
DBB Jack-up Services prefer the telescopic crane because of smaller space requirements in comparison to lattice-boom cranes normally be used, and the crane’s lower centre of gravity thanks to a completely retractable boom. The advantages make it possible for a substantial hook height even on a relatively small barge. The crane is also a standard product with readily available spare parts.
WIND crew installs blades on a turbine.
The crane has received several technical modifications for operating on the high seas. Instead of the Diesel engine, for instance, an electric motor will operate the crane, powered by the ship’s power plant. This means additional flammable fuel need not be kept on board. What’s more, the crane is powered by bio-hydraulic oil to further protect the environment.
Liebherr GMBh
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