FMV makes ship lifting cradle investment

Replacing a 300t cradle, this strategic move aligns with their efforts to expand and modernise the shipyard and cater to the evolving needs of the maritime industry.

Over the past decade, Fitjar Mekaniske Verksted has undergone extensive expansion and renovation, focusing on hull construction and service work. The yard has invested in various equipment and infrastructure enhancements, including the addition of tower cranes, multiwheelers, lifting trolleys and production equipment.

In 2016, the yard acquired the Karlsvogna lift, a reliable and efficient work tool. However, as the aquaculture segment witnesses the emergence of larger and heavier boats, the shipyard recognises the need for a new mobile lifting cradle that can meet these evolving demands.

The cradle has been named Anton after Anton Vestbøstad, one of the four founders of Fitjar Mekaniske Verksted AS and the chairman of its first board.

This investment opens up new opportunities for the shipyard to accommodate larger and heavier vessels, providing tailored services in machine work and facilitating the launch of larger newbuildings.

The operational debut of the new mobile lifting cradle is scheduled for summer 2023. Fitjar Mekaniske Verksted also offers efficient landing services for a wider range of vessels, including larger service boats, the coastal fishing fleet and smaller cargo boats, passenger catamarans and ferries that were previously beyond their operational capacity. The addition of Anton signifies the shipyard’s commitment to delivering top-quality services and staying at the forefront of technological advancements in the industry.

In conjunction with this investment, Fitjar Mekaniske Verksted has decided to sell its faithful Karlsvogna, a Roodberg PHP300 mobile lifting cradle capable of lifting 300 tonnes and equipped with four winches and eight blocks.