Record-Breaking Achievement: Boatbuilding Crane Raises the Bar

BB Cranes is set to manufacture its first-ever 30-metre-span overhead crane, marking a significant milestone for the Cape Town-based company. This achievement is a direct result of enhanced manufacturing capabilities and an expanded factory floor, underscoring BB’s commitment to growth and innovation.

The 30-metre double-girder electric overhead travelling crane, with a 5-ton capacity, is part of a six-crane order from Robertson and Caine, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest catamaran manufacturer and the third largest globally. The crane will be installed at the company’s Montague Gardens facility in Cape Town.

Meeting Diverse Requirements

The order includes two single-girder and two double-girder cranes, each with a 5-ton capacity and spans of 18, 19, and 20 metres. Additionally, a 10-ton double-girder crane with a 20-metre span is part of the delivery.

Each crane will be assembled from standard components and equipped with twin short-headroom Condra hoists. To ensure precise boat positioning, all cranes will feature variable-speed drives for both long- and cross-travel movements.

Simultaneous Manufacturing for Maximum Efficiency

According to a BB Cranes spokesperson, three of the six cranes for Robertson and Caine will be manufactured concurrently with two wide-span machines ordered by agricultural machinery manufacturer Rovic. This includes two 28-metre-span cranes, highlighting BB’s increased capacity and innovation.

“Our usual crane spans range between 18 and 25 metres. Tackling these 28-metre and 30-metre spans validates our decision to expand our capabilities and factory space,” the spokesperson noted.

Expansion Fuels Growth

Since becoming a member of the Condra group in 2022, BB Cranes has been upgrading its capabilities at the Rivergate Industrial Park. A 400-square-metre factory floor expansion in mid-2024 has enabled the company to take on larger, more complex projects.

“These cranes represent turnkey deliveries, from design to installation. They affirm our decision to grow and invest in new opportunities,” the spokesperson added.

Long-Standing Partnership with Robertson and Caine

BB Cranes has been a trusted supplier to Robertson and Caine for 20 years. In addition to the new cranes, BB is partially automating a 16-ton crane for repetitive tasks, allowing control with a single button push to enhance productivity.

The latest order will increase the number of BB cranes at Robertson and Caine’s facility to 14, with the six new cranes scheduled for delivery in November and December 2024.

Embracing Automation

BB Cranes is seeing growing interest in automation, with the company offering solutions across its product range in collaboration with Condra’s design office.

“Condra is gaining extensive automation experience, currently working on a wrap-and-protect crane in Gauteng. We hope to bring more automated solutions to our Cape Town customers in the near future,” the spokesperson said.

BB Cranes’ record-breaking 30-metre-span crane and continued innovation in automation demonstrate its dedication to pushing industry boundaries, meeting customer needs, and driving growth in the region.