Breakbulk Lifting Plans: Vessel Cranes, Outreach and Tandem Lifts

Vessel crane capacity alone does not determine whether a breakbulk unit can be loaded safely. Crane outreach, hook height, lifting geometry, rigging weight and the cargo’s centre of gravity must all be assessed before the vessel is fixed.

Kiev Shipping Ltd supports cargo interests with vessel selection and commercial coordination based on the actual lifting requirements of each shipment.

Begin with reliable cargo data

A lifting assessment requires accurate dimensions, gross weight, lifting-point locations and centre-of-gravity information for every critical unit. Technical drawings should show any lifting restrictions and confirm whether the designated points are certified for the intended operation.

Packing and transport frames must also be considered. The declared weight should include the complete lifting unit, not only the equipment inside its protective structure.

Safe working load is only the starting point

A crane’s stated safe working load normally varies with boom angle and operating radius. A unit that is within the crane’s maximum capacity may still exceed the permitted load when lifted at the outreach required to reach the quay, barge, truck, hatch or final stowage position.

Owners should provide crane load charts and relevant vessel particulars. The intended loading side, berth arrangement and distance between the cargo and vessel centreline must be checked against those limits.

Account for rigging and lifting accessories

The total load on the crane includes slings, shackles, spreader beams, lifting frames and other accessories. Their combined weight reduces the net cargo capacity available at the required radius.

Sling angles affect the forces transferred to lifting points. A suitable rigging arrangement helps control those forces, maintain stability and prevent damage to the cargo or its packaging.

When tandem lifting may be required

Two vessel cranes may sometimes be combined for a tandem lift when one crane cannot handle the unit independently. The vessel must be designed and approved for this operation, and the combined capacity cannot be assumed simply by adding the headline ratings of both cranes.

Crane synchronization, load sharing, outreach, hook separation and the movement path need to be addressed in a documented lifting plan. The operation should be performed under the control of qualified personnel and in accordance with the vessel’s approved procedures.

Check hatch access and landing position

The unit must pass through the hatch opening with adequate clearance and reach its intended position in the hold or on deck. Hatch-cover geometry, coamings, tween decks, obstructions and available hook height can limit the operation even when crane capacity appears sufficient.

For underdeck stowage, the full movement path should be reviewed. For deck cargo, the supporting structure, securing arrangement and visibility requirements may influence the final location.

Shore cranes and floating cranes

If vessel gear is insufficient, a mobile harbour crane or floating crane may be considered. Availability, capacity, permits, operating radius and cost must be confirmed with the relevant port or terminal before fixture.

The charter-party terms should state which party arranges and pays for additional lifting equipment, rigging, supervision and any waiting time associated with those services.

Documents to review before nomination

• Cargo drawings and verified weight certificates
• Vessel crane load charts and certificates
• Preliminary lifting and rigging plan
• Hold, hatch and deck dimensions
• Port and berth lifting restrictions
• Method statement and required surveys

Breakbulk chartering support

With more than 25 years of experience and over 350 voyages arranged, Kiev Shipping Ltd provides ship chartering, maritime brokerage and operational coordination for machinery, steel products, industrial equipment and other breakbulk or project cargoes.

To assess suitable tonnage, provide the cargo list, drawings, dimensions, individual weights, lifting points, loading and discharge ports, readiness date and preferred stowage position.

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