China’s Yantai Raffles Shipyard recently completed construction of the world’s largest gantry crane designed to help build semi-submersible and other huge offshore vessels. The crane, Tai Sun, has a total lifting capacity of 20,000 metric tons. The crane is expected to result in a reduction of more than 2,000,000 man hours for each semi project.

According to Brian Chang, Chairman of Yantai Raffles Shipyard, the use of the crane not only means a significant savings in terms of manhours, but it will also change the way rigs and vessels are built. “With vessels becoming more technologically-advanced, it is mission-critical that today’s shipyards be supported by a highly-skilled engineering force, cutting edge facilities and superior technology,” said Chang.

Measuring 130 meters in length and 122 meters in height, the gantry crane has already caught the attention of industry. Yantai Raffles has booked 10 lifts of over 10,000 metric tons using the Tai Sun.

ABS Consulting Inc., an affiliate of ABS, was contracted to perform fabrication inspection of the structural steel work of the crane. ABS surveyors were in attendance for the final load testings.