This year has seen Cargotec launch two new MacGregor crane
products: the first is its next generation of electrically-driven
cranes, and the second is a heavy-duty workhorse with a
50-tonne lift.
Work is now well under way on Cargotec’s breakthrough
order for the delivery of 24 bulk cargo versions of its
MacGregor range of electric-drive cranes. The cranes are
destined for a series of eight 16,900dwt bulk carriers under
construction at Taizhou Sanfu Ship Engineering, in China, for
Polish shipowner, Polsteam.
Polsteam is one of the world’s biggest dry bulk shipowners
and operators and is otherwise known as Polska egluga Morska
(PZM). It specified three 30-tonne SWL cranes for each of the
bulkers, which will be installed from the end of 2010 to 2012.
“This is a breakthrough in the bulk carrier market as it is
important recognition of our new environmentally-friendly GLBE
electric crane, which is based on proven MacGregor designs
offering improved overall efficiency and low power
consumption,” says Paul Söderstedt, Cargotec sales manager for
bulk ships.
Cargotec launched the MacGregor GLBE crane series earlier
this year. It is built upon variable-frequency drive and inherits the
proven characteristics of the previous generation of wire-luffing
cranes. All machinery is enclosed within the crane housing,
ensuring safe operation and ease of maintenance.
“MacGregor variable frequency drive cranes are accurate, and
they eliminate the need for hydraulic oil. They are also energy
efficient in operation and have lower power consumption,
translating to lower running costs and ultimately a lower
environmental impact,” highlights Per-Erik Nilsson, Cargotec
director of marketing and sales. “They also offer shorter
operation times, allowing full speed/full load in all modes,” he
continues.
Each crane is delivered as a complete unit tested electrically
and mechanically before delivery, ready for installation on board.
Access to the driver’s cab follows the proven internal route
through the deck mounting and base of the crane.
Other crane developments from the company include the
introduction of a new four-wire rope heavy-duty bulk-handling
MacGregor crane, the 50-tonne SWL version of the K4. “Market
demand for more and more handling capacity from bulk cranes
has asked for this new workhorse,” says Anders Berencsy,
Cargotec cranes sales manager. “Indonesia and India are two
growing markets that are asking for increases in capacities. When
it comes to both barge cranes and transfer terminals, this crane
will be useful.
“A capacity of 50 tonnes, including grab, was defined, along
with a SWL [safe working load] of 52.5 tonnes in general cargo
operation, after feed-back was received from leading operators
with heavy-duty cranes,” he explains.
K4-cranes are outfitted with a mechanical grab for handling
iron ore, coal, grain and all other kinds of bulk material. The
mechanical grab, coupled with effective crane speeds, provide
efficient tools for moving bulk material. They will be available in
jib outreaches from 26m to 36m.
For many years, MacGregor cranes have used a proven design
module for construction. “This design forms the basis of the new
50-tonne K4-crane,” explains Berencsy. “We know this designs
works, and understand that this is particularly important when
you have a crane that can be expected to work up to 5,000
hours every year.
“Our philosophy to have all machinery well weather protected
in the crane house will also be used for this crane.
This has been proven with excellent results, as both iron ore and
coal can create a lot of dust that can get into vital machinery
parts if they are outside the crane.”
To improve the availability of the crane, two pump units have
been installed. “If one pump stops, the driver can easily
disconnect the failed unit and still run the crane with the other
one. However, the speed will be reduced but the crane is
operational! As an option, the hoisting speed can be increased
up to 20% with an extra pump for each pump unit.”
The driver’s cabin is extended from the crane house to give
the driver a better overview of the whole operation. As an
optional extra, cameras can be mounted on the jib top with
displays in the cabin to increase the driver’s visibility even
further. “Two air-conditioning units and an extra-comfortable
seat will give the driver an excellent working environment when
operating the crane,” says Berencsy.
Other possible options are automatic greasing of the slewing
bearing and for an operational log to be stored on the crane
computer.