🚢 Port & Marine Equipment
Mobile Harbour Crane Inspection & Certification in Saudi Arabia
A mobile harbour crane is a high-capacity portal-type crane on a mobile base with a slewing superstructure and luffing boom, used to handle bulk, general cargo and containers on quays without fixed rail infrastructure. Saudi ports use them at general cargo berths, bulk terminals and industrial ports, where they switch between hooks, grabs and spreaders through the day. Frequent changes of attachment and heavy cycles make independent checks of the slew ring, ropes and load limiters particularly valuable.
What we inspect on a mobile harbour crane
- ✓Slew ring bearing checked for play, bolt tightness, abnormal noise and grease condition, with raceway wear assessed in line with manufacturer instructions
- ✓Boom sections, boom pivot pins and luffing cylinders or ropes inspected for cracks, corrosion and pin wear
- ✓Hoist and luffing wire ropes measured for diameter reduction, broken wires and corrosion, with sheaves and drum grooves checked for wear
- ✓Grab, hook block or container spreader examined for jaw wear, rope reeving, twist lock condition and hydraulic hose leaks
- ✓Outrigger beams, pads and mobile base undercarriage checked for structural damage and hydraulic leaks, along with quay support conditions
- ✓Rated capacity limiter, load moment indicator, anemometer, slew and luff limit switches functionally tested
- ✓Hoist, slew and luff brakes tested for holding ability and wear, with slew gearbox and drives inspected
- ✓Cab, controls, emergency stops, travel and outrigger interlocks and fire protection checked for condition and function
Common defects we find
- ✓Slew ring bolt loosening or raceway wear leading to excessive play
- ✓Boom pin wear and cracking at boom and base connections
- ✓Worn grab jaws, hydraulic hose leaks and damaged reeving on grab systems
- ✓Rated capacity limiter out of calibration or bypassed for the attachment in use
- ✓Outrigger pad damage and hydraulic leaks that cause settling under load
Risks of operating uncertified
- ✓Crane overturning because the rated capacity limiter is faulty or wrongly set for the attachment fitted
- ✓Boom collapse or load drop from pin failure, boom structural defects or wire rope failure
- ✓Uncontrolled slew or brake failure causing impact with vessels, cargo or personnel on the quay
Testing, standards & frequency
Load / performance test
A load test is typically carried out with certified test weights at 100% to 125% of rated capacity depending on the standard and client, usually at selected radii on the load chart. The test checks hoisting, luffing, slewing, braking and the rated capacity limiter, and repeats for the attachments and outrigger setups in use.
Inspection interval
Typically at least annually for a thorough examination, with pre-mobilisation checks, inspection after attachment or boom modification and more frequent re-inspection where client or terminal rules require.
Standards referenced
- ASME B30.4 (portal and pedestal cranes)
- ISO 9927-1 (cranes, inspections, general)
- ISO 4309 (wire ropes, examination and discard criteria)
- Manufacturer specifications and load charts
Part of our Crane Inspection & Certification service. You receive an inspection report, Certificate of Conformity and inspection tag for passing equipment.
Mobile Harbour Crane inspection by city
Industries using this equipment
FAQs
What makes a mobile harbour crane inspection different from a standard mobile crane inspection?＋
Mobile harbour cranes carry grabs and spreaders, operate on quay surfaces and are exposed to marine corrosion, so inspectors add checks on attachment reeving, rated capacity settings for each attachment and quay support conditions. The slew ring and boom pins also get close attention.
Can a mobile harbour crane be load tested on the quay?＋
Yes, load testing is commonly carried out on the quay using certified test weights or water bags, subject to quay bearing capacity and the port authority's permit rules. The tester checks the load chart radii and limiter settings used in service.