02.02.2011

First heavy duty marine crane for Palfinger

Palfinger Marine has designed its first ’heavy-duty foldable’ marine crane for one of the world's state-of-the-art research ships.

Palfinger Marine und Beteiligungs (PMB) PFM range is aimed at the large marine crane sector having a load moment of up to 350 metre/tonnes and the ability to combine different marine-specific winches.
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Palfinger Marine's new heavy duty foldable PFM marine crane

The first crane was officially launched in December at Palfinger's Maribor facility. Handover of the crane to the Japanese dealer, Sekigahara Seisakusho took place a few days earlier to the Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) which together with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries have decided to build a scientific research ship to development maritime resources in Japan's coastal areas.

There is special interest in researching the mineral deposits and gas hydrates on the sea bed in order to make them usable as energy sources of the future.

Five different Palifinger marine cranes will be installed on the ship when completed used to lift and move measuring instruments and equipment.

"Designing a crane of this size meant a totally new development," said Johnannes Lindenbauer, Palfinger Marine cranes head of sales. "Developing a special extension boom system which features a knuckle boom and a telescopic outreach of up to 21 meters was a particular challenge with this prototype."

"The weight-optimised construction combined with the additional installation of two different marine winches turned out exceptionally well. Innovative winch control by means of a manual control system and radio remote control also guarantees that the crane is safe and easy to operate.“