Crane Operations from Barges & Vessels
Cranes mounted on barges, pontoons and vessels are commonly used for marine construction, bridge works, dredging, offshore projects and heavy lifting.
Unlike a crane operating on land, the crane’s supporting platform can move beneath it.
Wind, waves, tides, vessel movement and changing ballast conditions can all affect stability during the lift.
What’s the Big Risk?
- Vessel list and trim can change as the crane slews.
- The load can begin swinging due to vessel movement.
- Tides and currents can change conditions during the operation.
- Wind can affect both the crane and suspended load.
- Incorrect ballast or load positioning can affect stability.
- The crane’s allowable capacity may differ from equivalent land-based operation.
Key Lessons Learned
A marine crane lift must consider both crane stability and vessel stability.
A lift that appears acceptable from the crane’s load chart may still be unsafe if the supporting vessel cannot withstand the resulting forces and moments.
The crane, vessel and load must therefore be considered as one lifting system.
Safety Recommendations
- Confirm crane and vessel suitability.
- Establish allowable list/trim limits.
- Check weather, tide, current and wave conditions.
- Confirm ballast and vessel stability requirements.
- Establish operational weather limits.
- Maintain effective communication between the lifting team and vessel crew.
- Stop operations if conditions exceed the agreed limits.
Incident Source
Safety-learning case based on common hazards associated with crane operations from barges, pontoons and vessels.
Regulatory Mapping
● LOLER Reg. 4 – Strength and stability of lifting equipment.
● LOLER Reg. 8 – Proper planning, supervision and safe execution of lifting operations.
● PUWER – Suitability and safe use of work equipment.
● BS 7121 principles – Crane selection, stability, environmental conditions and safe lifting operations.
Key Point
On land, the crane moves the load.
At sea, the crane moves the load while the platform underneath the crane can also move.
Never assess the crane alone.
Crane + vessel + load + environment = one lifting operation.
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Crane Operations from Barges & Vessels
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