GROVE has successfully introduced its more sophisticated 'all-terrain' (AT) crane concept to the Gulf, with a number of significant new sales.
The success of the all-terrain cranes further endorses Grove's leading position in the regional market, says a company spokesman. "With already some 60 per cent of the total rough terrain (RT) crane market in the Gulf, and more than 40 per cent in the Middle East as a whole, Grove has an undeniably strong position and reputation in a market where the benefits of RT cranes have always played an important role in infrastructure and oilfield development," he says.
"Rugged and reliable for operation in harsh climatic and terrain conditions - where back-up service facilities may be hundreds of miles away, are the essential features of the Grove products," continues the spokesman.
The first of the new generation of big-capacity, multi-axle AT cranes to be delivered was the latest Grove GMK5180 for specialist contractor Bin Quraya Establishment. This 180-tonne capacity, five-axle mobile crane is based at Abqaiq in eastern Saudi Arabia, serving Saudi [QQ]Aramco and other major customers in the area.
It has recently been working on a new gas oil separating plant (GOSP) at Haradh, some 350 km south of Dammam.
"This highlights the importance of its mobility, which is one of the main attractions of the AT crane," says a spokesman for Yusuf bin Ahmed Kanoo, the Grove crane dealer in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf.
"Now that the infrastructure development is largely complete, with excellent road communications throughout the Kingdom, these cranes can travel long distances economically. [QQ]And when on site, they have the traction and maneouverability to be able to perform just as well off-road, with long booms and high lift capacities. It adds great flexibility and efficiency to crane operations, and customers who recognise this advantage have the edge in winning new contracts."
This is said to have been a winning argument for another specialist Saudi contractor, Al Osais Company, which has recently been awarded another major contract with Aramco. The company has taken delivery of several new AT cranes to meet the contract requirements - which could not be done with existing lower-capacity truck-mounted cranes.
Kanoo reports that it has delivered nearly 10 new Grove AT cranes in less than a year. Kanoo has also been closely involved in the formation a new joint venture company, Johnson Arabia, which will provide a fleet of AT cranes (and some RTs), ranging from 50 to 200 tonnes capacity.
