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JSI Alliance successfully delivers two giant STS cranes from Cork to Greenock

Specialized transport of two 934 tonne (t), 72.45 metre high STS cranes

Heavy cargo.
Seamless coordination.

Two 934 tonne (t) ship-to-shore cranes, each standing 72.45 meters tall, transported from Cork to Greenock to enhance port capacity with JSI Alliance’s precision logistics.

JSI Alliance has successfully completed the shipment of two massive 934 tonne (t) and 72.45 metre high ship-to-shore (STS) Liebherr Maritime cranes from Cobh in Cork, Ireland, to Greenock, Scotland. The operation was carried out by the heavy lift vessel, Jumbo Jubilee, in two meticulously planned trips.

The height of heavy lifting

This delicate heavy lift project required seamless collaboration between the client, the yard, and the dedicated JSI project team. Given the impressive size of the STS crane, measuring 72.45 m high, challenges had to be overcome. For example, the engineering team preemptively lowered the centre of gravity by adding 166 t of counterweight to ensure a stable lift. In addition, precise calculations and procedures were established in preparation for safe operations with tight clearances and operational margins. Following these pre-engineered plans, the crew completed the lift using the vessel’s own equipment.

The effective execution of this task was achieved through an integrated approach, leveraging in-house engineering expertise, comprehensive project management, QSHE protocols, and the skills of the experienced crew.

“From the initial approach in September 2022, I am pleased to see the technical strength of the JSI Alliance at work in the safe transportation of these two STS cranes,” said Charles Cowan, UK Director – JSI Alliance.

SPECIFICATIONS

Highlighted details

Transported two 934 tonne (t), 72.45 metre high STS cranes from Cork to Greenock.
Precise heavy lift logistics ensured safe crane handling.
Supported port expansion with enhanced cargo capabilities.
Expert coordination across sea transport phases.
Addressed complex logistics of oversized cargo.
Demonstrated JSI Alliance’s commitment to reliable, large-scale port solutions.

A skyline of cranes

The HLV Jumbo Jubilee carefully lifted the fully assembled cranes onboard with precision using its own two x 900 t lifting capacity cranes. The STS cranes, constructed by Liebherr in Kerry and assembled in Cobh, were transported to Greenock in two separate consecutive voyages.

Denis Doolan, Manager Transport/Shipping at Liebherr Container Cranes commented, “

“Delivering the Greenock cranes presented challenges due to the STS weight and high center of gravity. We opted for the lift-on/lift-off method to address the narrow span and low ground loadings in Greenock.

Liebherr Container Cranes & JSI combined our engineering expertise to overcome several challenging aspects with this project and delivered the cranes successfully to Greenock.

The cranes were built at DSG dock yard in Cobh, in Ireland, where we used SPMTs to transport the fully assembled STS within reach of the vessels’ cranes. The vessel’s own gear then picked the STS from the quay using her own hatch covers as a counterweight and once on board we secured the cranes with Liebherr designed bracing. This was a very intricate lifting job, handled well by all parties and we look forward to our next lift on / lift off shipment.”

The two new STS container cranes, costing £25 million, represent a major boost for productivity at the Port of Greenock. Delivered to the west-facing freight port following a one-day passage from Cork Harbour, these cranes are set to significantly enhance operational efficiency.

Experienced Port Captain Peter Mathot who oversaw the operations, said, “From the moment we started the lift of the first crane to the offloading of the second crane in Greenock, the operations moved like clockwork. We needed a rising tide to make lifting as even as possible in Cobh and luckily the weather also worked in our favour with maximum winds to the limits only, at both ends. It’s my goal and pleasure to make these lifting projects come to life – orchestrating a well-oiled operation like this is rewarding for the team and valued by our clients.”

Looking ahead

The cranes will provide vital infrastructure at the port. Once installed, they will enhance efficiency and create new opportunities for global connections and worldwide trade into Greenock, further strengthening the port’s position as a key hub for importers and exporters.

In a nod to their significance and local engagement, the cranes have been named ‘U-Crane Bolt’ after Jamaican Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt and ‘Craner Swift’ in tribute to Taylor Swift, following a naming competition with local schoolchildren.

JSI Alliance’s commitment to excellence and precision underscores our capability to handle complex heavy lift operations, providing seamless solutions for clients’ most challenging projects.

Watch the project video here