Over the past two years, Konecranes has installed 23 overhead cranes at the BAE Systems shipyard in Williamstown, Melbourne.
This has enabled the company to fulfil its contract with the Royal Australian Navy, whereby they were required to build three Air Warfare Destroyers.
This project has been of high importance, as the three destroyers are dedicated to defending naval forces and assets ashore from aircraft and missile attack, and they also operate in anti-surface, anti submarine and naval gunfire support roles.
At present, BAE Systems is carrying out block construction work on the three destroyers. The blocks will comprise hull machinery compartments and bow and stern sections of the ships.
The complex project requires a variety of models of overhead cranes, including double girder types and chain hoists, some with special safety and efficiency features such as magnet systems and sway control.
Konecrane is responsible for not only supplying the cranes, they also refurbish existing cranes and carry out routine monthly service on the cranes to ensure they are operating as efficiently as possible.
The cranes are principally used for lifting steel plates, welded sections and related equipment in the manufacture of the hull blocks for the destroyers.
Shayne Murray, Procurement and Sub Contracts Manager, BAE Systems said the company has been very pleased with their three year relationship with Konecranes.
“We chose Konecranes as our crane supplier at the start of this project about three years ago. We selected them for their size and reputation and because they demonstrated that they could satisfy our requirements in a timely and cost-effective manner,” he explained.
Konecranes District Manager David Eynaud said that his company was proud to be servicing such a complex and ambitious project.
Konecranes’ Double Girder overhead cranes include innovative features such as high performance hoisting motors with 60 per cent ED rating, and some are equipped with sway control. Sway control enhances safety as it minimises swinging or swaying of the load and ensures the most accurate and efficient load positioning is thus achieved.
