In April 2024, our JF545 mini crane was deployed to Norway for an 11-week offshore project on an Oil and Gas platform in the North Sea.
This project showcased our company’s ability to provide specialised crane solutions for complex, mission-critical applications in the challenging offshore environment.
Prior to receiving the contract, our team had multiple discussions with the client to demonstrate the practicality of the JF545 crane for this particular project.
Key requirements included assessing the limited space available on the platform to position the crane, ensuring that the crane could fulfil the required lifting capacity, reach and setup requirements and developing a plan for securely transporting the crane to and from the transit container both onshore and offshore.
Additionally, the client’s platform crane had limitations that required our team to remove the counterweights, plastic spreader mats and crane footing plates for transit.
This added an extra layer of logistical planning to the project.
Our Senior Crane Specialist, Russ, played a crucial role throughout the tender process and project execution. Russ’s previous offshore experience and deep crane expertise allowed him to thoroughly understand the client’s needs and propose the optimal solution.
To prepare the crane for the harsh offshore environment, our technician Wayne wax-oiled the entire machine prior to shipment to prevent corrosion from sea air and salt. Wayne also travelled to Aberdeen to oversee the loading of the crane and provide driver familiarisation training to two local operatives.
He then continued on to service and inspect two of our long-term hire cranes in Scotland before returning home.
While the crane was offshore, Wayne remained on-hand to provide telephone support to the operatives as needed. His availability and responsiveness were key to ensuring any issues could be swiftly addressed.
Over the course of the 11-week project, the JF454 crane operated successfully in spite of its complex logistics and environmental difficulties.
Our team’s offshore experience and round-the-clock assistance, along with our proactive attitude during the planning phases, guaranteed the effective completion of this crucial task.
The JF454 crane’s performance and our reactivity during the project left the client extremely happy. They pointed out that we stood out from the competition because of our solutions-oriented approach and readiness to go above and beyond.
Our JF545 has been so busy, before it went offshore it was in London installing steelwork and was only just off hired in time. On its return, Wayne had to turn it around quickly as it was then booked to work on a local football stadium – with works needing to be completed before the start of the football season. This demonstrates the versatility and high demand for our specialised crane equipment.
If you have an upcoming project that requires specialised crane expertise and reliable, high-performance equipment, we’d be happy to discuss how we can support your needs. Contact our team today to get started.