Incheon New Port, located just 40 km west of Seoul in South Korea, is undergoing a major expansion as part of the Incheon New Port Stage 1-2 project. This development aims to increase the port’s capacity and upgrade its facilities to accommodate growing cargo volumes and larger container ships. Scheduled to be completed by 2025, the new container terminal is expected to boost the port’s handling capacity to five million TEUs by 2030.
Dredging and wharf construction
Gwan-Ak Co Ltd was appointed to carry out the dredging work and construction of the lower structure of Incheon New Port’s Stage 1-2 container wharf. Founded in 1998, the South Korean company specialises in a range of construction services, including underwater construction, dredging, reinforced concrete work, earthworks, scaffolding dismantling and boring grouting.
Sitting atop a barge in the Yellow Sea, Gwan-Ak’s Sennebogen 6300E plays an important role in building the container wharf. This towering offshore crane is engineered to lift and manoeuvre heavy materials with precision, enabling rapid assembly to maximise operational efficiency.
Upon completion of the dredging phase, the crane’s precise load handling capabilities are utilised. From offshore, the duty cycle crane lifts and positions heavy-duty concrete framework mould used to create the port apron. Once in their designated positions, the moulds are then assembled and filled with concrete. The crane operates for eight hours a day, with work sometimes dependent on weather conditions.
The Sennebogen 6300E duty cycle crane offers a high lifting capacity of up to 300 t. This makes lifting the large concrete moulds a straightforward task. Its hydraulic lifting system and advanced control mechanisms ensure heavy materials are accurately and efficiently placed.
Sennebogen sales and service partner, Kilwoo Co Ltd, recommended the Sennebogen 6300E to Gwan-Ak due to its load-bearing capacity and operational compatibility with the project’s requirements, along with the manufacturer’s track record.
Mounted on a barge and equipped with a 2.5-m pedestal mount and 46.7-m-long boom, the Sennebogen 6300E is Gwan-Ak’s first crane purchase for its own use. It was delivered in 2023 and assembled in South Korea. This marks a change from the country’s usual practice, where offshore cranes are typically 20 to 30 years old, second-hand and often sourced from Japan.
“Sennebogen duty cycle cranes are renowned for their high performance and reliability. With safe working loads of up to 300 t, the Sennebogen 6300 E is especially well-suited for heavy lifting operations,” said JH Choi, sales manager at Kilwoo Co Ltd. “Additionally, the customer appreciates its easy maintenance and accessibility of spare parts.”
