Author: Stephen White

As offshore wind turbines continue to increase in size, the foundations supporting them are also growing, posing challenges for transport and storage. Mammoet has introduced a new jacking and cradle system aimed at mitigating these challenges, ultimately helping customers cut costs. These colossal cylindrical steel foundations, known as monopiles, play a crucial role in connecting wind turbines to the seabed. With weights exceeding 3,000 tonnes and lengths surpassing 120 meters, their dimensions are steadily expanding. As wind turbine developers construct taller structures, the diameter and length of their foundations are also on the rise, surpassing the capabilities of existing handling…

The first thing that strikes you when you visit the Galadari Trucks and Heavy Equipment website is a set of numbers that race onto the screen. One of the most famous distributors and recognisable names in the region, you’re told that it represents more than 15 brands and can boast 100% customer satisfaction – and it’s been delivering its market-leading service for over 40 years. Despite its outstanding longevity, Mahmoud Hamarshah, general manager, Galadari Trucks and Heavy Equipment (GTHE) tells CMME that the winner of the 2023 CMME Distributor of the Year award is not ready to rest on its…

The jack-up vessel Voltaire is said to be in position to install the first offshore wind turbine at the Dogger Bank Wind Farm. The move signals the start of construction of the sustainable power project, which is expected to feature a total of 277 turbines on completion. The Voltaire is billed as the largest vessel of its kind in the world, with a lifting capacity of 3,200t. It has been commissioned to operate on all phases of Dogger Bank, installing GE Renewable Energy’s 13MW Haliade-X turbines approximately 128km from the UK’s Yorkshire coast, a report noted. Once complete in 2026,…

Yanmar Compact Equipment EMEA (Yanmar) is using the upcoming Matexpo 2023 in the Netherlands, to showcase its range of conventional tail and zero tail excavators, and wheeled units – including a prototype of the all-new and fuV7 compact wheel loader.  The V7 wheel loader is expected to be formally launched after September 2023 and features a new articulation/oscillation joint that keeps the machine’s total height under 2.5m. According to the worksite specialist it is perfect for easy transportation and is some half a tonne lighter than the next largest machines in the Yanmar range. Yanmar’s zero tail swing excavators at…

Dutch geo-data specialist Fugro says it has completed the Middle East’s first remotely operated subsea inspection using a low-carbon emission uncrewed surface vessel (USV). The site survey and inspection of an offshore gas platform in UAE waters was executed entirely from an onshore remote operations centre (ROC) using Fugro’s Blue Essence technology without sending personnel offshore, added the firm in a statement. Having commissioned the region’s first-ever government-licensed USV in early 2023, Fugro has successfully completed its first USV operation for a client in the Middle East. The Fugro Pegasus USV (part of the Blue Essence fleet) was mobilised for…

Red Sea Global (RSG) has awarded the design contract for the Rosewood Hotels and Resort at Triple Bay to Saudi-based Salco. Per the terms of the deal, Salco, a specialist in external works, site development, infrastructure, utilities, landscape, and irrigation, will be responsible for softscape works. The Saudi group will transform the outdoor areas of the property, in line with the design concept which aims to implement a spectacular landscape for guests to enjoy, the firm explained in its statement. “We are thrilled to collaborate with Red Sea Global on this monumental project. Our partnership signifies a shared commitment to…

The Oman and Etihad Rail Company, the developer and operator of the railway network connecting Oman and UAE, has invited prequalification bids for freight facilities, depots and stations linking the two GCC states. An ambitious project, the UAE-Oman Railway Network aims to facilitate passenger and freight movement, create rewarding job opportunities for professionals in both countries, and foster sustainable development and stronger ties through the development and operation of a safe, secure, and efficient railway network connecting the two Gulf nations. The 303km Oman-UAE railway network will extend from Sohar Port to the UAE National Rail Network, linking Oman with…

Sparrows has been awarded a major crane replacement contract for a client in the Middle East. The project, which is worth $13m (USD), is expected to last 18 months. The scope of work will see the engineering and maintenance services specialist for the global energy and industrial sectors complete all aspects of the engineering required to replace four BOS Liebherr cranes of four offshore platforms, which are beyond their expected operational life. Sparrows explained it is handling all crane interfaces, installation, commissioning and testing, as well as engineered lift plans for the removal and installation of the cranes using a…

In the highly sought after segment of articulated wheel loaders, Tobroco-Giant says it has stepped up to the plate by introducing the all new telescopic version of its highly successful G2700 series. The Dutch firm has added no less than three new models to its line-up.telke The G2700 TELE HD and G2700 TELE HD+ feature a 50 hp Kubota engine, whilst the G2700E TELE is the first electric telescopic wheel loader from the company. Providing customers with all the advantages associated with its widely recognized compact design, the machines deliver a maximum height of the hinge point of 3711 mm,…

Komatsu Europe has introduced a new flagship for its zero-emissions line-up last month. The PC33E-6 a new 3-ton class electric mini excavator equipped with a lithium-ion battery. Designed to set new standards in emission-free operation, with exceptional performance and unrivalled safety features, this cutting-edge new machine leads the way to a future of clean and caring practices and emission-free operation. Drawing upon over a century of Komatsu expertise in design, development, and manufacturing, the PC33E-6 shows a commitment to a sustainable future. Komatsu regards the market introduction of this new electric model as a springboard for the development of a…