ALE uses AL.SK350 in Texas

International heavy transport and lifting specialist ALE is using its AL.SK350 super heavy lift crane, which it says is the world’s largest capacity land-based crane, for an oil and gas project in Ingleside, Texas, USA.

The AL.SK350 has been commissioned to lifted three modules onto an offshore topside. The combined weight of the three modules, including the block and tackle, is 6,614 tonnes – although the units are being lifted individually. So far the first heater module, weighing approximately 1,200 t, has been lifted, with the two remaining modules scheduled to be lifted in January and February.

The crane lifted the first module with an installation outreach of 63.1 m. The AL.SK350 was rigged with a 124 m main boom, and a 49 m ballast radius, along with a heavy winch system and 4,000 t of ballast.

ALE says the crane will complete all three lifts from just one position. “Our AL.SK350 is the only crane on the market to lift this weight at such a long outreach. The project really showcases the capabilities of the AL.SK350 to perform some of the world’s heaviest ever crane lifts in such a congested site,” comments Filippo Anello, ALE – global projects division director. “As there was minimal space to position the crane, it can only be rigged in one location to perform all of the lifts – making the AL.SK350 the ideal piece of equipment.”

The three modules will be removed in the second quarter of 2019, says ALE. This is because these lifts are being used as a trial to ensure the modules fit.