Space industry operations require heavy lifting and responding to that demand Gulftainer USA has boosted the capacity of its Canaveral Cargo Terminal with the addition of a Liebherr mobile harbour crane. According to GT, the unit delivered by the Jumbo-SAL-Alliance’s multipurpose vessel Frauke to Port Canaveral is one of Liebherr’s largest mobile harbour cranes in the US. 

The heavy lift operation itself took five days, consisting of multiple pieces of a Liebherr TCC-BOS 14000 cranes, where one of the pieces discharged weighed a GT record-breaking 680 metric tonnes. This component was tandem lifted off the vessel utilising the ship’s gear where each crane had a safe working load of 700 metric tonnes.

Another record was broken as the longest piece of cargo discharged over the quay when CCT discharged the boom of MHC, measuring nearly 350 feet in length. This operation also consisted of supporting the manufacturer assemble the crane’s main components utilising the ship’s gear.

Once fully assembled, the new crane will remain on CCT’s facility to assist the Space industry operations carried out in Port Canaveral, Florida.

“I was pleased to be joined by the cargo owners, shipping line representatives, manufacturers and the Canaveral Port Authority during the heavy lift vessel operations. A substantial amount of meticulous planning was invested by all parties involved to guarantee the safe and efficient unloading of these heavy pieces. Our experienced team demonstrated a hands-on and professional approach, effectively ensuring the safe unloading of all cargo. With the successful completion of this project, we showcase our commitment to improving our capacity and driving operation efficiencies at Canaveral Cargo Terminal and across Gulftainer’s portfolio,” Luke Richards, Managing Director of GT USA, said.

Juan De Jesus, Director – Technical Services at Intermarine, the appointed port captain for the Shipping Line, said, “A successful transport, discharge and installation operation were achieved due to extensive heavy lift experience and cooperation between SAL crew, Liebherr team and GT USA. Challenges were overcome while making great times and strengthening relationships onboard and ashore. We look forward to continue working with our partners in the future.”