Boat & Shipbuilding Yard Cranes

Industry Applications

Reliable lifting for fabrication, assembly and marine maintenance

Shipbuilding and marine fabrication depend on reliable, carefully controlled lifting operations. From handling steel plate and hull sections to supporting outfitting, assembly, and dockside repair work, overhead cranes must operate safely, predictably, and with minimal downtime.

Marine manufacturing and repair facilities present demanding operating conditions, including large outdoor spans, wind exposure, abrasive salt environments, and continuous heavy-duty lifting throughout fabrication and assembly processes. Street Crane systems are engineered to perform reliably in these challenging environments while supporting long-term serviceability and operational uptime.

With decades of experience supporting marine manufacturing and repair operations, Street Crane combines robust mechanical engineering with advanced Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) control technology to deliver smooth load handling, stable crane travel, and dependable long-term performance.

Every crane system is specified around your production flow, integrating with yard layouts, fabrication sequences, maintenance practices, and plant safety procedures to support efficient material handling and reliable long-term operation.

Speak with our technical team today at (864) 589 4150 or complete the inquiry form to discuss your marine and shipbuilding lifting requirements.

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.

Engineered for shipyard environments

Street Crane engineers work closely with yard operations, fabrication teams, and procurement specialists to specify crane systems around real-world shipbuilding, fabrication, and repair processes.

Duty classifications, lift geometry, and hook travel paths are engineered around hull sections, block sizes, workshop clearances, assembly sequences, and the movement of materials between fabrication and assembly areas. Every system is designed to support safe, efficient handling throughout the production and repair process.

Inspection access, corrosion protection, and long-term serviceability are considered from the beginning to help support dependable operation in demanding marine environments.

This integrated engineering approach helps ensure reliable lifting performance, efficient production flow, and simplified long-term maintenance planning across 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

Gantry and semi-gantry (goliath) cranes for dry docks and block assembly

Gantry and semi-gantry 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 tons and long-span capability beyond 131 feet, they deliver strong, dependable performance in outdoor environments. Box girder structures ensure stability under wind loading, while rail-less semi-portals with polyurethane-tired wheels reduce civil work and eliminate 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 girder cranes provide a reliable platform for handling steel plates, subassemblies, and medium-sized modules. With capacities up to 80 tons 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, VX open winch cranes offer the strength, accuracy, and resilience required. Capacities up to 200 tons, 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

Slewing jib cranes support agile, localized lifting for repair bays, quaysides, and slipways. With capacities up to 20 tons 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 multipoint 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 tons (LX) and 2 tons (LCS), they provide ergonomic, smooth lifting in confined spaces and integrate naturally into fabrication and assembly workflows.

Making advanced lifting practical for shipyards

Shipbuilding and marine fabrication require precise, stable load handling in demanding operating environments. Street Crane systems address these challenges through advanced VFD-based motion control, smooth acceleration and deceleration, micro-speed positioning, and coordinated multi-hoist capability for handling large hull sections, blocks, and fabricated modules.

Safety and operational reliability are further supported through features such as defined operating zones, overload protection, and marine-duty component options designed to provide dependable long-term performance in outdoor and corrosive marine environments.

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 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 our 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.rnrnWhether you’re expanding dry-dock lifting capability, upgrading fabrication halls or improving workshop efficiency, our engineers are ready to help.

Call +1 864 589 4150 or email usasales@streetcrane.com.

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