With the container crane manufacturing sector hitting record deliveries in the past 12-15 months, crane transport specialists have experienced full order books. Deliveries will soon peak, however, so a downturn is expected next year. The nature of the business means that heavy lift shipping operators are at the end of the market cycle. If crane output drops this year, the crane transportation market will feel it next year.
Last year, market leader Dockwise completed 16 voyages and carried 27 container cranes (including four second-hand cranes), four RTGs and two bulk unloaders. Most of the work was undertaken with its three dock-type ships. DE 10 completed six voyages with 12 cranes and two RTGs, including two second-hand cranes on behalf of Portek Equipment from Singapore to Laem Chabang. Portek also chartered DE 12 for a second-hand move from Singapore to Ciwandan. The vessel also moved one crane from Southampton to Grangemouth for Forth Ports. In all in six voyages it carried nine cranes....
Read this item in full
Approx 2333 words from WorldCargo News, March 2002,
page 35.
