The new MOD 1100/2000t spreader beam, the latest addition to Modulift’s modular range of DNV type approved spreader beams, has been used in its very first lift in Dover in the UK.
The successful first lift was carried out by new owner Safe Lifting Europe for its customer Bonn & Mees Floating Cranes.
The new spreader beam has a 33 metre span. “Part of the project to supply this ‘beast’ of a beam, required Modulift’s compressive test bed to be extended to 33 metres and increased in capacity to 2300t which was quite a project in itself,” said John Baker, commercial director for Modulift.
The spreader beam was transported using two trucks from Safe Lifting Europe’s yard to Bonn & Mees Floating Cranes in Rotterdam. Bonn & Mees Floating Cranes then used two of its largest floating sheerlegs to lift and store the spreader beam before it was shipped to Dover to lift two parts of a bridge.
As part of the lifting configuration, two additional Modulift MOD 400 spreader beams had to be used. The assembly of the MOD 1100/2000 took the team at Safe Lifting Europe one full working day using an electric torque wrench, enabling them to work at a much faster pace.
“It was incredible to see the new MOD 1100/2000t spreader beam up in the air for the first time,” said Giovani Vroegop, technical commercial manager for Safe Lifting Europe.
“The sheer size of the beam can only be really appreciated when you’re up close. It really is huge,” he said.
