Four (very) mobile cranes for Forth Ports

The variants of the Sennebogen 870 M Special, especially designed for Forth Ports, are claimed to be currently the largest completely transportable cargo handling equipment in operation within the UK and Europe.

The cranes’ transportation takes place on a low-bed truck, with transfer times ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 hours between the Scottish ports.

As a result of the short transfer time between the Ports, the equipment has been moved, on average, seven times per month since its introduction in August 2008. This flexibility enables Forth Ports to offer the same cargo handling technology in all its ports, to focus even more on customer needs and to further enhance effectiveness, efficiency and competitive advantage.

For the handling of bulk material and timber and other commodities, the four 870 M machines are used with specialised attachments. Equipped with double shell-type grabs, hooks, timber grabs or pulp grabs, these 870M machines are well suited for all applications.

Despite having only been deployed by Forth Ports for four months, the Sennebogen 870 Ms are already operating at high levels of productivity. The equipment has been deployed in cargo handling activities for approximately 250 hours per month, with high reliability and efficiency.

For this project, Forth Ports PLC has recently been awarded the coveted Falkirk Herald Business Award in the category Most Innovative Company/ Product. The unique transportation concept of the machines and the close cooperation between Forth Ports, E.H. Hassell & Sons Ltd. and Sennebogen made this achievable.

Forth Ports PLC is the third largest port operator in the UK with a turnover of €195m. It operates a total of eight regional ports. Seven of these ports are located in Scotland and one is at Tilbury in London. The ports handle steel, iron, scrap metal, wood, and agricultural commodities.