ALE moves UK container crane

International specialized transport and lifting service provider ALE has helped move a 414 tonne container crane at the port of Tilbury in Thurrock, United Kingdom.

The container crane is part of the Port of Tilbury’s redevelopment project. ALE was contracted to take the crane off its rails and move it 250 metres along the quayside.

ALE used 24 axle lines of self propelled modular transporter (SPMT) in a configuration of two file, six with five spacers, synchronised and driven by one operator, a company spokesperson said.

Once in position, the crane was rotated. Three other container cranes were then repositioned before ALE moved the crane back 45 m and guided it back onto the rails.

Carl Hodges, ALE, said, “Throughout the move, we maintained a close relationship with the Port of Tilbury and Suffolk Welding. This meant that we were able to design and engineer the best solution, utilising our SPMTs, beams and securing equipment for the safe and efficient relocation of the crane.

“This solution provided the Port of Tilbury with minimal downtime within the container terminal operations and demonstrates our commitment in providing excellent engineering and professional operations for the safe movement of heavy loads.”

David Housden, Port of Tilbury London Limited, head of engineering and procurement, said, “The Port was really pleased with ALE’s performance and I wanted to praise the efforts of the team involved in the successful reordering of our cranes at 41-43 Berth, Port of Tilbury. The whole project was meticulously planned and well executed, with the operation proceeding without issue.”

It took three hours to complete the move.