The Hitachi crane loaded on the barge Western Carrier leaving Oakland

Project Summary

A used Hitachi container crane was relocated from Long Beach, CA, to Dutch Harbor, AK, in late 2007. Argonautics Marine Engineering provided the marine warranty survey for the tow. The crane, weighing approximately 800 t, was loaded onto the 300 x 84 ft cargo barge Western Carrier with multi-wheel trailers and secured with pipe bracings. Loose items, containers, and loading equipment were secured with welded clips and/or chain lashings.  

Upon receipt of the tow approval certificate, the tug and barge departed Long Beach early September, but heavy swells caused some of the tie rods to loosen, which required a stop over in Oakland for repairs. Early October, the crane arrived safely in Dutch Harbor where the crane was successfully offloaded and lowered onto its new rails.  

Scope of Work

The project scope included:

• Loading and offloading ballast calculations;

• Review of design criteria and resulting barge motions/crane accelerations;

• Review of the proposed crane reinforcement and seafastening plan;

• Survey the crane with respect to tow readiness and internal securings;

• Survey the seafastening bracing installation;

• Survey the seafastening of the miscellaneous cargo items and all loading equipment;

• Inspect the barge and its towing connections;

• Inspect the 3,200 hp coastal tug Ocean Mariner and its towing gear.

Project Photographs

Crane partly loaded onto the barge Western Carrier.	Bracings of crane and lashing of trailers.	Crane almost completely offloaded in Dutch Harbor.	Approaching quay rails after rotating 90 degrees.