Crane Service

A Smarter Approach to Crane Maintenance

At Vinje Industri, innovation begins with a deep understanding of practical challenges. Our latest breakthrough in offshore crane maintenance reflects that mindset—a novel method that allows for critical component servicing without halting crane operations or relying on traditional heavy-lift support.

The method was recently applied on a Liebherr 165T offshore crane, successfully replacing the Heel Pins at the Main Boom connection—long considered a complex and resource-heavy procedure. Now, thanks to our new approach, that task can be completed with minimal disruption.

We spoke with Jonathan Breen, Crane Specialist at Vinje Industri, about what this milestone means for the industry.

“It’s a shift in how we think about what's possible offshore.”"This development isn't about making bold claims—it’s about rethinking the fundamentals of crane maintenance,” Breen explains. “By designing a method that allows us to carry out precision repairs in situ, without the need for rig cranes or shutdowns, we’re introducing a more intelligent, controlled, and cost-effective alternative.”

The process begins with the installation of a modular container frame pedestal beneath the boom, equipped with a 3-point cradle clamp system that stabilizes the structure and absorbs transverse forces. Once the boom is secured with custom chain hoists and brackets, a jacking system—anchored to the boom’s pad eyes—gently lifts the structure just enough to allow for safe removal and replacement of the Heel Pins, shafts, and bearings.

Proven in the Field, Designed for Flexibility

"This is not a theoretical solution," Breen emphasizes. “It has been engineered, tested, and executed under real offshore conditions. The result is not only a safer process for technicians, but a dramatic reduction in downtime and logistical overhead.”

The system is modular, scalable, and adaptable to a variety of crane configurations, making it a powerful tool for operators seeking to maximize uptime and safety without sacrificing thoroughness.

Long-Term Crane Reliability through Preventive Care

While this innovative method is a major advancement, it is part of a broader philosophy at Vinje Industri—where comprehensive crane care is a year-round commitment. We deliver complete maintenance programs that include periodic surveys, non-destructive testing (NDT), and preventive inspections, all tailored to maintain structural integrity, ensure regulatory compliance, and detect early signs of wear or fatigue.

Our technicians are certified and experienced across multiple OEM platforms, and our tools—such as 3D point cloud scanning for custom-fit tooling—ensure unmatched precision in every job.

With over 25 years of experience and more than 350 professionals in our ranks, Vinje Industri continues to support the offshore industry with practical, reliable, and forward-thinking solutions.

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