Drydocks World To Acquire Largest Floating Sheerleg Crane In Middle East & Africa

Drydocks has signed a deal with Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co. to acquire a 5,000-tonne Floating Sheerleg Crane, the largest in the Middle East and Africa.

The new crane, capable of lifting heavy loads up to 120 meters above water, will improve the company’s capacity for large-scale offshore projects.

The signing ceremony took place in Dubai with high-profile attendees, including His Excellency Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Captain Rado Antolovic, PhD, CEO of Drydocks World, and senior representatives from ZPMC.

The new crane, expected to be operational by the second quarter of 2026, will be crucial in meeting the increasing demands for offshore heavy lifting, particularly in areas like Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) topsides and offshore converter platforms.

The crane’s design, manufactured by ZPMC, includes advanced features such as a 160-meter A-frame and a 600-tonne fly jib that extends its reach to 180 meters.

These qualities enable the crane to handle larger offshore modules, speed up the vessel assembly process, and reduce the need for support vessels, making it highly efficient for both nearshore and offshore construction projects.

The crane can accommodate 50 persons offshore, increasing its operational versatility.

According to industry executives, the acquisition is a strategic move that will strengthen Drydocks World’s position in the maritime industry. The introduction of such advanced equipment enables the organization to take on complex projects while reducing their duration.

This crane is set to improve Drydocks World’s capabilities, complying with previous successful projects like the conversion of Tango FLNG and Excalibur FSU vessels, and the ongoing UK Norfolk Vanguard Offshore Wind Platform project.

Construction of the crane will take about 24 months, with ZPMC handling the design, manufacture, testing, and commissioning phases.

The agreement strengthens Drydocks World and ZPMC’s strong partnership, with both firms expressing confidence in the project’s success.

The crane will also include high-strength steel construction, advanced safety technology, and a complex integrated control system. A high-capacity ballast water treatment plant shows Drydocks World’s commitment to operational excellence and environmental stewardship.

Senior executives from DP World and ZPMC highlighted the importance of this deal. They talked about the crane’s adaptability to address the changing needs of the offshore industry, making it a valuable asset for future megaprojects.

Reference: Drydocks World

Drydocks World To Acquire Largest Floating Sheerleg Crane In Middle East & Africa appeared first on Marine Insight – The Maritime Industry Guide

Source: Maritime Shipping News