Editorial Technical Reference

Floating Crane

This page explains how Floating Crane is classified within Other Transport Equipment Manufacturing. Technical values and manufacturer relationships are research references; confirm the current specification and supplier evidence for each order.

Technical Definition & Core Assembly

A specialized marine vessel equipped with a crane for lifting heavy loads in port operations, offshore construction, and salvage operations.

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Floating Crane

Definition
A floating crane is a self-propelled or towed vessel specifically designed with a heavy-duty crane mounted on its deck for lifting, moving, and placing extremely heavy loads in maritime environments. It operates in ports, harbors, offshore construction sites, and salvage operations where land-based cranes are impractical or insufficient. These vessels feature advanced stability systems, powerful winches, and specialized rigging to handle cargo such as ship sections, offshore platform modules, bridge components, and sunken vessels. The crane system typically includes a rotating superstructure, boom, hoist mechanism, and load handling attachments. Hydraulic or electric motors power the winches that control cable tension for lifting and lowering loads. The vessel's ballast system and dynamic positioning (if equipped) maintain stability during operations by adjusting water distribution in tanks to counterbalance load movements and environmental forces like waves and wind. Typical specifications include a lifting capacity of 50–200 metric tons, maximum outreach of 20–60 meters, hook height of 15–40 meters, slewing speed of 0.1–0.5 rpm, hoisting speed of 5–15 m/min, working water depth of 10–30 meters, operating temperature range of -20 to 45°C, power supply of 380–690 V AC (50/60 Hz, 3-phase), total installed power of 500–2000 kW, hull length of 40–100 meters, hull breadth of 20–40 meters, and draft of 3–6 meters. Classification societies such as CCS, ABS, and DNV may be involved, but certification must be verified with the manufacturer. Materials commonly used include high-strength steel and marine-grade aluminum alloys. Always confirm model-specific values and standards with the legal manufacturer or supplier.
Working Principle
The floating crane operates by using its onboard crane system, which typically consists of a rotating superstructure (slewing unit), boom, hoist mechanism, and load handling attachments. Hydraulic or electric motors power the winches that control cable tension for lifting and lowering loads. The vessel's ballast system and dynamic positioning (if equipped) maintain stability during operations by adjusting water distribution in tanks to counterbalance load movements and environmental forces like waves and wind.
Common Materials
High-strength steel, Marine-grade aluminum alloys
Technical Parameters
ParameterTypical rangeNotes & selection driver
Lifting CapacityRequired50–200 metric tonsMaximum safe working load the crane can lift at minimum outreachISO 4301-1
Maximum OutreachRequired20–60 metersMaximum horizontal distance from crane center to load hook position
Hook HeightRequired15–40 metersMaximum vertical distance from waterline to hook at minimum outreach
Slewing Speed0.1–0.5 rpmMaximum rotation speed of crane superstructure
Hoisting Speed5–15 m/minMaximum vertical lifting/lowering speed at rated load
Working Water Depth10–30 mMinimum for stable operation
Operating Temperature-20–45 °CBelow -20°C requires special steel
Power Supply380–690 V AC50/60 Hz, 3-phaseIEC 60038
Total Installed Power500–2000 kWIncludes all drives and auxiliaries
Hull Length40–100 mOverall length of vessel
Hull Breadth20–40 mMolded breadth
Draft3–6 mAt full load
ClassificationCCS, ABS, DNVClass notation for floating craneIACS

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Components / BOM
  • Crane Superstructure
    Rotating platform that supports the boom and houses the hoisting machinery
    Material: High-strength steel with corrosion-resistant coating
  • Main Boom
    Primary structural arm that provides outreach and supports the load
    Material: High-tensile steel with lattice or box construction
  • Hoist Winch System
    Motor-driven drum and cable system for vertical load movement
    Material: Steel drums with synthetic or steel wire ropes
  • Ballast System
    Water tank network and pumps for vessel stability control during lifting operations
    Material: Steel tanks with marine-grade piping
  • Operator Cabin
    Climate-controlled control station with visibility and instrumentation for crane operation
    Material: Aluminum alloy with safety glass
  • Dynamic Positioning System
    Computer-controlled thruster system for maintaining vessel position without anchors
    Material: Various electronic and mechanical components

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Commonly used trade names and technical identifiers for Floating Crane.

Industrial Ecosystem & Supply Chain Structure

Complementary Systems
Downstream Applications
Specialized Tooling

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Operational Limits
pressure: Atmospheric (surface vessel operation)
other spec: Maximum wave height: 4-6m depending on crane capacity, Maximum wind speed: 20-25 m/s for safe operation, Maximum lifting capacity: 100-5000+ tons depending on model
temperature: -20°C to +50°C (operational ambient range)
Media Compatibility
✓ Container handling in port operations ✓ Offshore platform module installation ✓ Salvage operations for sunken vessels
Unsuitable: High-seas deepwater operations beyond 200 nautical miles from shore (limited by fuel/crew endurance and weather exposure)
Sizing Data Required
  • Maximum lifting capacity required (tons)
  • Maximum outreach/radius needed from vessel centerline (meters)
  • Water depth and seabed conditions at operational site

Reliability & Engineering Risk Analysis

Failure Mode & Root Cause
Wire rope degradation
Cause: Corrosion from saltwater exposure, mechanical fatigue from cyclic loading, and improper spooling causing kinks or birdcaging
Hydraulic system failure
Cause: Contaminated hydraulic fluid from seawater ingress, seal degradation due to harsh marine environment, and pump cavitation from improper maintenance
Maintenance Indicators
  • Unusual metallic grinding or knocking sounds from hoisting machinery during operation
  • Visible fluid leaks (hydraulic oil or coolant) around critical joints or under equipment housings
Engineering Tips
  • Implement rigorous corrosion protection program including sacrificial anodes, specialized coatings, and regular cathodic protection system inspections
  • Establish predictive maintenance using vibration analysis on rotating components and ultrasonic testing on critical structural welds and wire ropes

Indicative industry ranges for design and RFQ preparation. Confirm the exact figures and applicable standard with the manufacturer before specifying.

Compliance & Manufacturing Standards

Applicable Standards
ISO 4309:2010 - Cranes - Wire ropes - Care, maintenance, installation, examination and discard ANSI/ASME B30.8 - Floating Cranes and Floating Derricks DIN 15018-1 - Cranes; principles for steel structures; stress analysis

Quoted from the published standard.

Manufacturing Precision
  • Boom deflection under load: +/-0.5% of boom length
  • Winch drum groove alignment: +/-1.5mm over full drum length
Quality Inspection
  • Load Testing to 125% of rated capacity
  • Magnetic Particle Inspection of critical welds and structural joints

Manufacturers of Floating Crane

2 companies list this product among what they make. Company figures are quoted from each company's own website; every card states where the relationship came from.

THHI
Jiangsu, CN
Founded 1992
Also makes: Spreader, Telescopic Boom, Offshore Crane and 7 more
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Listed there as: “Barge Floating Crane”
View source page ↗ cnthhi.com · checked 2026-08-22
Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (ZPMC)
Shanghai, CN
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Listed there as: “Heavy Lift Vessel”
View source page ↗ zpmc.com · checked 2026-08-27

Manufacturer listings support early research and capability understanding. They are not certification, ranking, or transaction guarantees.

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Winch and Hoist System

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Heave Compensation System

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical lifting capacity of a floating crane?

According to directory reference data, the lifting capacity ranges from 50 to 200 metric tons at minimum outreach. However, the exact capacity depends on the specific model and configuration, so you must verify with the manufacturer or supplier.

What materials are commonly used in floating crane construction?

High-strength steel and marine-grade aluminum alloys are commonly used. These materials are selected for their strength and corrosion resistance in marine environments. Confirm material grades with the manufacturer for your specific application.

What standards apply to floating cranes?

Relevant standards include ISO 4301-1 for crane classification, IEC 60038 for voltage ratings, and IACS for classification society requirements. However, compliance must be verified with the manufacturer and classification society.

How does a floating crane maintain stability during lifting?

Stability is maintained through a ballast system that adjusts water distribution in tanks to counterbalance load movements and environmental forces. Some vessels may also have dynamic positioning systems. The specific stability features depend on the vessel design.

Data Basis

Editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records.

Preliminary Technical Classification
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