Konecranes Delivers Special Crane Solution For UK’s New Shipbuilding Facility

Konecranes has completed the delivery and installation of a special heavy-lift crane system at BAE Systems’ new shipbuilding facility in Govan, Scotland. The advanced equipment is now fully operational and will support the simultaneous construction of two Type 26 naval frigates indoors.

The contract, awarded to Konecranes in late 2022, involved supplying four high-capacity cranes for the Govan build hall in Glasgow.

The delivery includes two electric overhead travelling (EOT) cranes, each with a 20-tonne capacity and a span of 56 meters, along with two Goliath cranes rated at 100 tonnes and spanning 70 meters. The Goliath cranes stand 30 meters tall.

All cranes were successfully delivered and installed by June 2025 and have been officially handed over. These cranes will help boost production efficiency by allowing work on two warships simultaneously, indoors, and without delays due to Scotland’s unpredictable weather.

The shipbuilding hall, developed as part of BAE Systems’ naval expansion, is a massive structure measuring 170 meters in length and 80 meters in width.

Built with over 6,000 tonnes of steel and 20,000 cubic meters of concrete, the facility can accommodate up to 500 workers per shift.

Konecranes worked closely with McLaughlin & Harvey, the main contractor for the site. As part of the project, the company installed two 20-tonne cranes with a slightly smaller span of 54 meters, in addition to the two Goliath cranes.

A smart safety system has also been integrated into the design to ensure safe coordination between the cranes. This system enables the smaller EOT cranes to pass beneath the Goliath cranes when needed, without any risk.

A sales manager from Konecranes UK shared that the company’s advanced crane technology, featuring Smart Features and TRUCONNECT capabilities, has been tailored to support heavy-duty shipbuilding.

The equipment offers predictive maintenance tools and is designed to deliver long-term reliability for BAE’s operations.

A senior official from McLaughlin & Harvey stated that Konecranes showed strong planning and professionalism throughout the project. He added that the team prepared thoroughly for every scenario and remained committed to high safety standards during installation.

Reference: Konecranes

Source: Maritime Shipping News