GRT topples 55 m crane

A heavily corroded ship to shore crane has been demolished at the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico, described as “a rare crane toppling event” by contractor Global Rigging and Transport (GRT).

Usually a crane is taken apart piece by piece, but the port decided that to save time this model – CMI 6 – had to be toppled. This involved pre-cutting and wire ropes, with large forklift trucks pulling at the wire ropes until the crane eventually fell.

Dave Michou, president at port owner SSA International, said, “It was gratifying to see GRT’s successful demolition of CMI 6. All went safely just as planned and on schedule.

“The ‘drop zone’ was outlined and perfectly executed. This was a very professional job by an obviously dedicated hard-working team of GRT technicians.

“There were issues that popped up on this project as usually happens, but thanks to the teamwork and co-operation between our companies everything was addressed promptly and satisfactorily to keep the project essentially on time and on budget.

“Speaking on behalf of the SSA International group, we appreciate GRT’s conscientious efforts on this project. We look forward to continuing this relationship on the next few crane projects we have on our agenda.”

GRT is a leader in engineered heavy lifting and transport and has a long history with this CMI 6 crane as the company has moved it three times.

The crane stood at 54.8 metres tall with the boom down and fitted into only three ports in the world. In a history spanning almost 40 years, it is estimated to have lifted around four million containers.