Huisman upgrades Happy Star

Heavy lift shipping company BigLift comissioned Dutch specialist Huisman to upgrade two Huisman-built 900 tonne capacity heavy lift mast cranes onboard its heavy lift vessel Happy Star to capacities of 1,100 tonnes. Huisman has now completed the upgrade and said it gives the vessel capabilities unmatched in the world fleet of heavy lift vessels.

The upgrade of both cranes was realised by increasing the 16 fall reeving to 20 falls of rope and modifying the top of the boom and the main hoist block, explained Huisman. To maintain full flexibility the 1,100 tonne cranes retain the possibility to sheer back to the original 800 tonnes (14 falls) and 900 tonnes (16 falls). Also, the available fly jib can still be used. A new rope, equipped with a fast reeving socket, is used to reduce the conversion time considerably.

Martijn Reissenweber, director Huisman services, said, The upgrading of cranes is not only adding lifting capacity, it is also about implementing innovations and improving capabilities in order to support our clients in their current and future business. Huisman and BigLift Shipping share a long history together in the design of heavy lift cranes and handling materials. Our co-operation started in 1984 with the delivery of the first heavy lift mast cranes for BigLift’s Happy Buccaneer and BigLift has been a highly valued client ever since.”

The recent upgrade was executed at the Huisman service and assembly location in Schiedam, Netherlands.