Vector Lifting, a local company based in Jandakot, specialising in material handling systems and cranes, recently completed the design and construction of the biggest portal crane in Australia for the Australian Marine Complex at Jervoise Bay.

The Australian Marine Complex (AMC), an initiative of the Western Australian and Federal Governments, has been developed to facilitate and enhance the opportunities created by the clustering of the oil & gas, marine, defence and resources industries. The AMC includes a Common User Facility (CUF) that is highly adaptable for multi-purpose fabrication, assembly and load-out work. It is the ideal solution to undertake multiple, overlapping projects and offers sophisticated, world-class facilities. For more information on the AMC  click here

One of the facilities offered at the CUF is Australia’s largest mobile module assembly hall measuring 80m by 80m, with a height of 45m. The centrepiece of this huge assembly hall is a self-propelled travelling portal crane that allows large modules to be assembled for transfer to either a 3,000 or 15,000 tonne load-out wharf. This crane measures a massive 35m high under hook and spans 65m, with a load capacity of 150 tonnes and an additional 50 tonne auxiliary crane.

Due to the size of this crane, there was a real potential that it may have being manufactured overseas. As a result, the project construction company, Multiplex Constructions, approached Industry Capability Network WA (ICNWA) for assistance in identifying local companies with the capabilities and experience to design and manufacture a crane of this size.

ICNWA was instrumental in bringing Vector Lifting’s capabilities to the attention of Multiplex. Vector Lifting has an excellent record in the local design and manufacture of large cranes. The AMC contract however, introduced a number of unique challenges for Vector. Competing against significant international competition, Vector Lifting won the contract and recently completed the installation of the crane.

Managing Director at Vector Lifting, Les Capelli said, “This project is a credit to the people at Vector Lifting who’ve worked diligently to bring the Cranes, the Building Bogies and the Massive Doors to a successful installation to the complete satisfaction of Multiplex Constructions and their client, with whom we have developed an exceptionally good working relationship.”  Capelli added, “It also proves that we in Western Australia do have the expertise to bring these types of special projects and equipment to fruition.”