Chinese builder floats out crane ship with 5,000-tonne lifting capacity

China’s Taizhou Zhonghang Shipbuilding has launched a new large crane ship ordered by China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) for operation by its Third Harbour Engineering Bureau.

Upon completion, Sanhang Xiang’an will have an LOA of 186 metres, a beam of 48 metres, and a depth of 13.5 metres. The stern will be fitted with a single-boom, double-hook crane with a maximum lifting capacity of 5,000 tonnes, a working reach of 95 metres, and a maximum lifting height of 133 metres above the deck.

The vessel will also be equipped with three 2,500kW azimuthing main thrusters and two 3,000kW bow thrusters. These will be used in conjunction with a dynamic positioning system to ensure accurate station keeping, thus allowing lifting and installation works to be completed even under extreme sea conditions.

An intelligent monitoring system will help the crew in ensuring efficient energy utilisation. This will also feature a ship-to-shore information management system.

Construction of Sanhang Xiang’an is being undertaken in compliance to China Classification Society rules. Once in service, the vessel will support marine construction and offshore wind installation projects.