Video: A Mechanical Problem seems to be the cause of the HEBO-2 Crane collapse

30 April 2018

On the 17th of April 2018, the Floating Crane HEBO-2 collapsed, while lifting a bridge section in Krimpen aan den IJssel.

The HEBO-2 had already successfully lifted two bridge sections from the quayside onto a transport pontoon. During the lifting of the third bridge section, with a weight of approximately 170 Ton,  the stay wire Frame of the Starboard Crane, which was set in fixed mode, collapsed and the bridge section and crane fell in the water taking the second crane overboard as well. 

Only one person was slightly injured during the incident, but could go home after medical treatment.

The cause of the incident is currently under investigation, but initial findings show that the A-Frame Stay wire deck connection failed due to bad manufacturing practices.  

Although the Floating Crane barge HEBO-2 , was build under Class in China, something must have gone wrong during the manufacturing of the A-frame, which was used in the so-called fixed mode when heavy lifting is required without the need of slewing with the cranes. During the manufacturing process in China, detailed inspection work was carried out, but something must have slipped through.

Not following the correct welding procedures and insufficient checking seems to have led to this unfortunate incident, which could have been a lot worse.

Watch the video below:

Courtesy: MediaTVnl

The specification of the floating crane is below:

Crane barge HEBO-Lift 2 

Length working o.a. 55.40m

Breadth working o.a. 23.80m

Breadth working o.a. (incl. side pontoons) 30.98m

Max. capacity main hooks 2 x 300t

Gross tonnage 1729t

Flag Dutch 

Propulsion 2 x 700HP Thruster 

For more info go to: HEBO-Maritime