OilMac to bring giant crane to Dundee Port

Crane will be one of the largest of its type in Europe

A Forfar firm has spent a seven-figure sum on a 115 metre high crane which will enhance the decommissioning capabilities at the Port of Dundee.

Oilfield Machinery Ltd (OilMac) has purchased a 1,500-tonne crane to be utilised within its new heavy lift division OM Heavy Lift.

One of the largest capacity fixed cranes in Europe, it is capable of lifting up to 900 tonnes.

Located on the port’s new heavy lift pad, on the newly constructed quayside, the crane is seen as a vital asset for future offshore wind projects in Dundee.

The company is anticipating crane operations to begin at the start of 2018, with the creation of around four direct new positions, including a crane/heavy projects manager, crane driver, appointed personnel and lift superviser.

Alex Fyfe, managing director at OilMac, said: “The market dynamics in the oil and gas industry have changed significantly, with operators now starting to prioritise decommissioning.

“The growth in this market over the next 10 years will be huge, and we are working closely with Forth Ports, Dundeecom and AF Gruppen to attract a large share of this.

“It is our goal to offer cost effective heavy cranage – with customers knowing from the beginning what those costs will be – with the ability to professionally and safely, load, unload, move and store equipment in Dundee, with no advanced warning.

“We are continually investing to strengthening our portfolio and, through collaboration with Dundeecom and its partners, we are able to offer customers access to an efficient, fixed price decommissioning solutions.”

OilMac’s investment supports Dundeecom’s vision to establish Dundee as a multi-disciplinary, internationally recognised decommissioning centre of excellence.

Port of Dundee manager David Webster said: “We have a great working partnership with OilMac and this significant investment is further good news for Dundee and for the port.”

“This significant investment is further good news for Dundee and for the port. DAVID WEBSTER PORT OF DUNDEE

OilMac managing director Alex Fyfe with some of the sections for the 115 metre main mast.