The German Navy recently received the first of a total of five new heavy-duty cranes for the Wilhelmshaven naval base.
It replaces an almost 24-year-old predecessor. The order for a total of five cranes was placed around a year ago by the federally owned BwFuhrparkService (BwFPS) on behalf of the Bundeswehr Procurement Office.
The German Navy ‘s “GMK 4080-3” mobile crane is a so-called all-terrain crane (AT crane), which is also suitable for off-road use and can lift up to 70 tons. Due to its comparatively compact dimensions, with a simultaneous increase in ergonomics in the driver’s cab, it is maneuverable, especially in the sometimes narrow port facilities of the navy.
German Navy uses heavy-duty crane in Wilhelmshaven
The mobile crane is used by the navy to load and unload ships and boats with supplies of all kinds from piers and quays. Equipped with a workman basket, the mobile crane can also be used for maintenance and assembly work on ships, boats and fixed logistical facilities at heights of up to 75 m. height.
A total of twelve of these cranes have been agreed with the BwFPS, five of which will go to the navy and a further seven cranes will cover the requirements of the armed forces base. The delivery of all commissioned AT cranes to both branches of the armed forces should be completed by the end of 2024.
