Crane breakdown at Odense Steel Shipyard

10 November 2008

Shortly after 1 pm Sunday afternoon, the large gantry crane at the Shipyard was suddenly and unexpectedly hit by an extreme gust of wind resulting in the crane travelling uncontrolled on its tracks. The operational brakes of the gantry crane were unable to withstand this severe impact. After travelling approximately 300 metres, the gantry crane was finally brought to a stop. Unfortunately two of the Shipyard's tower cranes were struck during this event. Fortunately, no personal injury occurred. Nevertheless, the attending and exposed employees have been offered emergency counselling.

One of the tower cranes was tipped over and parts of it fell into the dry dock. Consequently, the crane has been completely wrecked. The dry dock was empty after Friday's launch of the latest new building. The other tower crane was struck by a lifting yoke of the gantry crane causing significant damage. The full extent of this damage has not yet been fully assessed.

In order to observe safety measures the related production areas of the Shipyard have been closed down. Utility supply lines to the Shipyard have been disconnected and will not be reconnected for the time being.

Hence the Shipyard regrettably has to temporarily send home all production workers. This temporary consequence applies to all subcontractors as well. This force majeure situation will remain while the Shipyard evaluates the consequences for the building programme and works out a plan how to re-establish all production areas. In a matter of days, the Shipyard expects to be able to re-establish essential areas of the production.

Odense Steel Shipyard