Boat & Shipbuilding Yard Cranes
Reliable lifting for fabrication, assembly and marine maintenance
Shipbuilding relies on uninterrupted, carefully controlled lifting. From manoeuvring steel plates and hull modules to supporting outfitting and dockside repair, cranes must work safely and with minimal downtime. Boat yards present particularly demanding conditions such as large outdoor spans, wind loads, abrasive salt exposure and heavy-duty, repetitive lifting across fabrication and assembly stages.
Street Crane has supported UK marine manufacturing and repair operations for decades. We design systems that combine robust mechanical engineering, long service life and advanced control using Variable Frequency Drives. Every solution is shaped around your production flow, integrating cleanly with yard layouts, fabrication sequences, maintenance routines and safety procedures.
Speak to our technical team on +44 (0)1298 812456 or email website@streetcrane.co.uk to discuss your next project.
Crane solutions for shipbuilding and marine fabrication
Shipbuilding combines exceptionally heavy loads, long travel movements and highly varied working conditions. Large hull blocks, prefabricated modules and key structural components must be transported across wide spans with accurate, stable motion.
Many yards rely on dual or multi-hoist arrangements to maintain balanced lifting during block assembly or complex positioning tasks. Outdoors, cranes must operate reliably in wind, rain and salt-laden air, with mechanical and electrical systems protected for long-term exposure.
Inside fabrication halls, cranes face heavy-duty handling where predictable control and precise positioning directly support weld quality and assembly accuracy.
Cranes
We have a large range of pre-engineered cranes to meet the needs of almost all industrial applications up to 250 tonnes capacity.
Components & Hoists
Designed for ease of crane assembly anywhere in the world, Street Crane kits include everything needed to build a complete overhead crane except the steelwork for the main bridge girder.
Spares & Servicing
Only genuine Street parts will ensure the lifelong productivity and reliability of your lifting equipment. Street parts are available from our warehouses in the UK and the USA. We also supply through our network of official distributors around the globe.
Engineered for shipyard environments
Our engineers collaborate with yard operations, fabrication teams and procurement specialists to specify cranes around real-world construction and repair processes. Duty ratings, lift geometry and required hook paths are modelled around block sizes, hull shapes, workshop clearances and the travel distances between fabrication and assembly areas.
Access for inspection, corrosion protection and long-term serviceability are built in from the beginning. This integrated approach ensures each system supports safe lifting performance, reliable throughput and simplified maintenance planning throughout the yard.
Design considerations
Our cranes are designed and built in the UK and tailored to the mechanical, structural and environmental challenges of shipbuilding. Outdoor cranes require enhanced coatings, stainless or galvanised components and enclosure ratings suited to saltwater environments, while indoor cranes must deliver smooth, stable
VFD-controlled motion for the precise alignment of steelwork and modules.
For multi-hoist or synchronised handling of large blocks, our systems deliver accurate coordination and predictable acceleration and deceleration. Service access is a priority across all models, with hoist layouts and critical components configured for inspection and planned maintenance in busy yard environments where uptime is essential.
Shipbuilding Crane Solutions
Portal and Semi-Portal (Goliath) Cranes for Dry Docks and Block Assembly
Portal cranes and semi-portal cranes provide the wide, stable coverage essential for lifting hull sections, blocks and large assemblies across dry docks and fabrication yards. With capacities up to 200 tonnes and long-span capability beyond 40 metres, they deliver strong, dependable performance in outdoor environments. Torsion-box structures ensure stability under wind loading, while rail-less semi-portals with polyurethane-tyred wheels reduce civil works and remove trip hazards. These cranes are engineered for consistent operation in the harsh conditions typical of coastal yards.
ZX Double Girder Cranes for Fabrication Halls and Outfitting Bays
ZX double girders provide a reliable platform for handling steel plates, subassemblies and medium-sized modules. With capacities up to 80 tonnes and the high top-hook positions required in tall fabrication buildings, they support precise alignment and controlled movement during welding and fit-out. The braked gearbox and oil-immersed gearing deliver long-term durability with reduced maintenance, an advantage in workshops that run high-frequency lifting cycles.
VX Heavy-Duty Cranes for Hull Blocks and Major Assemblies
For the heaviest lifting tasks in ship construction, open-winch hoist (VX) cranes offer the strength, accuracy and resilience required. Capacities up to 200 tonnes, true vertical lift and M8 duty options ensure stable, predictable movement of large hull sections or machinery modules. Their open-plan hoist construction improves access for inspection and servicing, supporting reliable operation despite exposure to dust, heat or salt from nearby dock areas.
Jib Cranes for Docks, Harbours and Repair Yards
Freestanding jib cranes support agile, localised lifting for repair bays, quaysides and slipways. With capacities up to 20 tonnes and 270° or 360° slewing, they provide controlled handling for lifting small craft, engines and equipment in and out of the water or onto maintenance stands. Their compact design makes them ideal where overhead systems are impractical.
Engineered Lifting Frames and Spreaders for Marine Assemblies
Many modules require multi-point lifting to prevent distortion and maintain alignment. We design lifting beams, frames and spreaders to suit hull geometry, module weight distribution and specific handling procedures, supporting repeatable, safe movement throughout the build process.
LX and LCS Systems for Workshops and Outfitting Areas
LX electric chain hoists and LCS workstation cranes support frequent lighter tasks involved in outfitting, component handling and workshop maintenance. With capacities up to 5 tonnes (LX) and 2 tonnes (LCS), they provide ergonomic, smooth lifting in confined spaces and integrate naturally into fabrication and assembly workflows.
Making advanced lifting practical for shipyards
Shipbuilding demands precise, stable lifting under challenging environmental conditions. Our cranes address these pressures through advanced VFD-based motion control, micro-speed positioning and coordinated multi-hoist capability for handling large blocks and modules.
Defined work zones, overload protection and marine-grade component options support safety, compliance and dependable outdoor operation.
A partner for long-term shipyard performance
We shape every design around predictable maintenance. Accessible hoist layouts, corrosion-resistant materials and robust gearing simplify inspection and servicing, helping yards protect uptime and maintain consistent production.
As a family-run engineering company with nearly 80 years of lifting expertise, we focus on systems that perform reliably year after year. Our cranes are built for longevity and supported by comprehensive servicing, inspection and modernisation through Street CraneXpress and approved partners.
Let’s design lifting that keeps your yard on schedule
Every Street Crane overhead system is engineered for precise, repeatable motion and long-term reliability, designed to integrate seamlessly with yard safety procedures, fabrication workflows and planned maintenance strategies.
Whether you’re expanding dry-dock lifting capability, upgrading fabrication halls or improving workshop efficiency, our engineers are ready to help.
Call +44 (0)1298 812456 or email website@streetcrane.co.uk for a practical recommendation and budgetary outline.
Get Started Today
Have any questions or want a quote please contact us