🏗️ Cranes
Offshore Crane Inspection & Certification in Saudi Arabia
Offshore cranes lift supplies, tools and equipment on fixed platforms, jack-ups and support vessels in the Arabian Gulf and Red Sea, often between a moving vessel and a fixed deck. Wave-induced dynamic loads, salt corrosion and hazardous-area requirements make them very different from onshore cranes. Independent inspection against recognised offshore crane practice helps operators confirm that structure, rope, brakes and protective systems are still fit for service.
What we inspect on an offshore crane
- ✓Dynamic load charts for lifts from vessels, and correct chart and sea-state selection by the crane control system
- ✓Main, auxiliary and boom hoist wire ropes for broken wires, internal corrosion, diameter reduction, rope rotation and end terminations, assessed against ISO 4309 and the owner's discard criteria
- ✓Hoist and boom hoist brake tests, plus automatic and secondary brake functions where fitted
- ✓Boom structure, boom foot pins, boom stops and boom hoist system, including pendant or luffing wire rope
- ✓Rated capacity limiter, load and radius indication and anti-two-block system calibration against test weights
- ✓Slew bearing tilt or clearance readings trended against baseline values, plus bearing bolting and lubrication
- ✓Emergency stop, powerless or emergency lowering, and operator cab alarms and communications
- ✓Hazardous-area electrical equipment, enclosures, glands and cabling, and engine spark arrestors and air-intake shutdown on diesel-driven cranes
Common defects we find
- ✓Main or whip rope with internal corrosion, broken wires or rope rotation from salt-laden service and poor lubrication
- ✓Hoist or boom hoist brake linings worn, or an automatic brake that does not hold the rated load
- ✓Dynamic load chart or sea-state setting entered incorrectly in the crane control system
- ✓Load or anti-two-block sensors corroded or out of calibration, giving false readings
- ✓Damaged explosion-proof glands, enclosures or cabling, or missing hazardous-area equipment records
Risks of operating uncertified
- ✓Dropped load or boom failure over a vessel or deck from rope, brake or structural defects
- ✓Overload from dynamic loading when lifting from a moving vessel with the wrong load chart or a faulty limiter
- ✓Ignition of flammable gas when hazardous-area equipment is damaged or incorrectly maintained
Testing, standards & frequency
Load / performance test
A load test is typically carried out at or above rated capacity (commonly 100%-125%) at representative radii, depending on the standard and client, together with functional tests of limiters, brakes and emergency lowering.
Inspection interval
Typically annual third-party inspection as a minimum, with more detailed surveys and wire rope inspections as the asset owner and applicable standard require.
Standards referenced
- API Specification 2C Offshore Pedestal-mounted Cranes
- API RP 2D Operation and Maintenance of Offshore Cranes
- EN 13852-1 Cranes - Offshore cranes - Part 1: General-purpose offshore cranes
- ISO 4309 Cranes - Wire ropes - Care and maintenance, inspection and discard
Part of our Crane Inspection & Certification service. You receive an inspection report, Certificate of Conformity and inspection tag for passing equipment.
Industries using this equipment
FAQs
Which standards are used to inspect offshore cranes?＋
API Specification 2C covers the design of offshore pedestal-mounted cranes and API RP 2D covers their operation, inspection and maintenance, while EN 13852-1 is used for general-purpose offshore cranes. The asset owner or client decides which applies to a given platform or vessel.
Do offshore cranes need sea-state derating?＋
Offshore load charts normally include dynamic ratings that reduce capacity as wave height increases for lifts from vessels, so inspectors check that the correct charts are installed and the crane's instruments are configured accordingly.