Collapsed crane emergency lands Cardem demolition award

The emergency dismantling of a MAGUE port crane for client Port de Sète Sud de France impressed the judging panel which recognised the complexity of the project and the high-level skill required to carry out the job.

Following the collapse of the 630-tonne crane onto the cargo vessel Glorious Sky at the Port of Sète, France, the project team was faced an unstable structure supported by both the vessel and quay.

Drone surveys and digital modelling were used to assess the collapse and evaluate three recovery options before a land-based dismantling strategy was selected.

The Cardem team with host Matt Dawson (L) and Komatsu’s Simon Saunders (R) (Image: KHL)

A key challenge involved a 247-tonne section calculated to be just 16 cm from its tipping point once surrounding sections were removed.

Four engineered restraint systems were installed to stabilise the structure before the section was removed in a single lift using heavy lifting cranes and bespoke rigging.

Despite adverse weather, this was accomplished while the crew remained onboard and surrounding port operations continued.

In addition, these critical lifting operations were completed in two days rather than the four planned. The project recorded zero injuries or lost-time accidents and achieved an impressive 99.3% recycling rate.

“We are proud to see the expertise, dedication and passion of our teams highlighted on the international stage.

“This acknowledgment is a tribute to the daily commitment of everyone at Cardem who works to advance safe, innovative, and sustainable deconstruction practices,” said the company in a statement.