A Hitachi-Sumitomo SCX2500 (250 tonne) crawler crane has been hired by Austral Construction for the construction of a new wharf. The crane was loaded directly from its previous project in Port Melbourne (VIC) onto a barge. The barge with crane aboard was towed around the bottom of Australia eventually reaching its destination of Port Hedland (WA).

The crane was re-assembled and began lifting operations some three weeks after departure. The trip was delayed by a tropical cyclone and the barge and crew were forced to dock in Perth until the storm subsided.

The crane completed the 12 weeks work at Port Hedland wihtout fault. On completion, TBCH immediately dismantled the crane for the long trip to Port Kembla (NSW). The trip was smooth sailing and took some 5 Weeks to travel from Port Hedland to Port Kembla. The crane has been re-assembled and has begun work.

Currently the crane is scheduled to return to Melbourne (VIC) on its completion. This will make it the first crane to have travelled around Australia via sea.

The client has been extremely happy with the crane. It has performed faultlessly so far. This is testiment to the engineering and robust nature of the Japanese build Hitachi-Sumitomo Crawler Cranes.