Lifting | Slings | Secutex
Sailing Through the Air:
The High-Stakes Lift of a 23m Ship
The opening day of the Centro/Westfield shopping centre in Neue Mitte, Oberhausen, Germany featured an unforgettable spectacle: the placement of an authentic rebuilt pirate ship into the leisure park’s lagoon. This extraordinary engineering feat was made possible through expert collaboration, innovative lifting solutions, and precision execution.
Engineering a Unique Lifting Solution
Given the ship's 18-tonne weight and delicate structure, the challenge was to develop a lifting system that was both strong and lightweight. Working closely with our experts at SpanSet secutex and Evers GmbH, we engineered a specialised lifting system consisting of:
✔ Special Lifting Beams – Designed for optimal weight distribution.
✔ Roundslings – Providing additional load security.
✔ Powerflex-coated lifting slings – Offering enhanced grip and protection.
✔ Secutex Protective sleeves – Preventing damage to both the slings and the ship’s sides.
Weight Optimisation: When Strength Meets Agility
Initially, the transport plan involved airlifting the pirate ship via helicopter. To make this possible, the lifting system itself had to be very light. We successfully designed a system weighing only 390 kg—a remarkable achievement given its 40,000 kg carrying capacity.
Four SpanSet PowerPlus lifting slings (each rated for 5,000 kg) were selected for the job. These extra-wide, single-layer slings ensured optimal surface pressure distribution, reducing stress on the ship’s structure. The addition of Powerflex Coating provided an extra layer of flexibility and protection.
From Helicopter to Crane: Challenge Accepted
Despite careful planning, the original helicopter transport plan had to be abandoned due to severe rotor blade downdraught, which posed a risk to stability.
Instead, an alternative transport method was devised: a crane-to-crane launch system.
This precision maneuvering allowed the ship to be safely transferred over streets and canals, navigating through challenging urban environments before reaching its final resting place in the lagoon.
A Testament to Engineering Excellence
The successful execution of this project highlights the expertise and ingenuity of SpanSet secutex and our partners. By combining advanced lifting technology with meticulous planning, we ensured that the pirate ship arrived intact and undamaged, delighting visitors at the park.
“This project showcased the perfect balance of innovation, adaptability, and technical expertise. A truly remarkable achievement!”
Jochen Twiehaus
Looking for Safe and Reliable Lifting Solutions?
SpanSet Australia continues to push the boundaries of lifting safety and efficiency. Whether it’s a delicate historical transport or heavy-duty industrial lifting, our innovative solutions ensure safe, damage-free handling every time.
📞 Contact us today on 024735 3955 (Sydney) or 08 9455 7404 ( Perth) to learn more about our
cutting-edge lifting solutions and to create a unique solution for your net big lift.
