Norwegian company Kolberg Caspary Lautom AS has launched a gyro-based stabilisation device called YawSTOP, which enables rotation-free and rotation-controlled lifting and loading of shipping cargo by cranes in a bid to make handling these goods in a more efficient, reliable and safe way.
Usually, rotation control of suspended cargo is handled by vessel or harbour crew with taglines attached to the corners of the load, which is a highly inefficient method to load and unload goods and equipment and also represents a significant risk to the operator.
By attaching a YawSTOP unit to the crane hook, the crane operator can single-handedly manage rotation of suspended cargo without the use of taglines and extra crew on deck, which reduces usage, costs and risks.
“We have conducted analyses which shows that YawSTOP reduces time usage for lifting operations by up to 45 per cent, and costs for each lifting operation by up to 50 per cent,” said Thor Jegard, chairman and owner of Kolberg Caspary.
“As a solution enables you to control unwanted rotation of the cargo, you can complete more lifts in a shorter space of time, as well as increase your operating window by working during weather conditions that previously were defined as too challenging.
“This increases both productivity and predictability. Through rotation control in lifting operations, we can help vessel and port operators reduce risks, while saving time and money.”