31.05.2013

IMCA crane specification published

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has published a revised ‘crane specification document’ to help marine contractors with the various options available from crane suppliers.

The ‘crane specification document’ IMCA M 171 Rev.1 was originally published in July 2003 but now contains updated sections on man-riding and personnel lifting and the certification and documentation of multi-layer winches.

“In IMCA M 171 we discuss the various aspects of crane design and performance in general terms,” said IMCA’s technical director Jane Bugler. “This document can equally be used by customers either purchasing a new crane for installation on their vessel, or chartering a vessel in order to carry out a lifting operation using that vessel’s crane. Where the term ‘manufacturer’ or ‘provider’ is used, it should be understood that these terms are interchangeable depending upon whether the purchase or charter of a crane is being discussed. IMCA M 171 can also be used for the specification of other appliances used for lifting in an offshore environment.”

Sections in the 28 page publication deal with Functional and Technical Specification; Supply Requirements; Control/Instrumentation System Requirements; Maintenance and Repair Requirements; Testing, Installation, Trials and Training; and Certification and Documentation. There are two useful appendices – Crane Bid Information Questionnaire and Crane Vessel Selection Criteria.

The ‘crane specification document’ can be downloaded from the IMCA website at www.imca-int.com - click here to download free of charge by members and non-members. Printed copies can be purchased by members at £5.00 and by non-members at £10.00 (zero VAT, plus 20% for delivery outside Europe) from [email protected].