Rauanheimo carried out an exceptionally extensive crane relocation operation across multiple ports

Rauanheimo successfully executed a large-scale crane relocation project involving the transfer of several heavy-duty port cranes between different ports along the Finnish coastline within a single operation. The project spanned Mussalo, Kalajoki, Vaasa, Kaskinen, Kristinestad and Vuosaari, and concluded back in Mussalo.

This was an unusually extensive port crane relocation project, combining precise technical planning, sea transport, and port-specific operational coordination.

Route and equipment

The operation began in Mussalo, where Mantsinen 120M and 120R cranes were loaded onto m/v Aura. In Kalajoki, the 120R was unloaded and remained in operation at the port, while a Mantsinen 100R was taken onboard.

The journey continued via Vaasa to Kaskinen. In Vaasa, the 100R was exchanged for another crane of the same model. In Kaskinen, both the 100R and 120M were unloaded, with the 120M remaining in operational use at the port.

In the next phase, two Gottwald HMK300E cranes and a Mantsinen 100R were loaded in Kaskinen. The Gottwald cranes were driven onboard simultaneously, significantly reducing the need for ballast water pumping. The approximately 440-ton weight of each crane acted as a counterbalance during loading.

In Kristinestad, the Mantsinen 100R was unloaded first, followed by both Gottwald cranes. The vessel then returned to Kaskinen, where a Mantsinen 140R and a Sennebogen 880EQ were loaded. The Sennebogen 880EQ was delivered to Vuosaari, and finally the Mantsinen 140R was transported to Mussalo.

Technical precision in a key role

Relocating large-scale machinery requires detailed planning, particularly regarding weight distribution and vessel stability. During sea transport, the crane booms were turned 180 degrees in the opposite direction and supported on deck structures.

“In this scale, every ton and the exact position of the center of gravity must be known. Weight distribution directly affects vessel stability, so planning is carried out with extreme care before any equipment is moved,” says Kimmo Pätäri, Technical Specialist at Rauanheimo.

“Sitting in the upper cabin, the vessel feels surprisingly narrow when rotating the upper structure 180 degrees at a height of 24 meters. It requires precision and experience from the operator,” Pätäri explains.

Delivered on schedule through collaboration

The operation progressed slightly ahead of schedule, despite encountering some individual technical challenges along the way. Strong collaboration with the Meriaura crew and personnel at different ports contributed to the project’s success.

The operation demonstrates Rauanheimo’s capability to manage demanding logistics projects involving multiple ports and heavy specialized equipment. Projects of this scale are rare even at the European level.

A broad and versatile mobile crane fleet is a key strength that enables us to deliver complex logistics operations reliably and flexibly across different ports.