Rotterdam-based heavy lift operator, Bonn & Mees Drijvende Bokken, has recently started building a huge sheerlegs-type floating crane. Called Matador 3 it will have a maximum lifting capacity of over 1,400t using the main frame and 600t using the fly-jib. It is designed to lift 400t to a height of 60m above deck at a 41m outreach from the front of the pontoon. Matador 3 is scheduled to enter service in mid 2002. The crane will be fitted onto a 70 x 32m pontoon with a 6m draught. The relatively shallow draught will allow inshore as well as offshore operation. The pontoon, together with the accommodation and funnels, is currently under construction in Romania. It will be towed to Holland for outfitting the diesel engines, generators, winches, electrical installations, the A-frame and the jib. Dynamic positioning will enhance the vessel? ability to perform precise loading and unloading of heavy cargoes, to place bridges and lockgates, and to assist in operations at sea, such as salvage. Vuyk Engineering Rotterdam, in close co-operation with Imtech Marine & Industry, will undertake the final engineering of Matador 3. Bonn & Mees is building the crane in response to increasing vessel size and more complex lifting operations. The final design is the result of an extensive study by the company. Bureau Veritas will class the vessel.

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