First 800-tonne Goliath crane transfer

Cimolai Technology recently saw the successful completion of the unmooring and departure from the Port of Chioggia of the first of two 800-tonne Goliath cranes, destined for the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone.

The barge BOA Barge 38 then arrived in Monfalcone at the end of an exceptionally complex maritime transport operation across the Adriatic Sea.

The transfer required meticulous planning and remarkable engineering precision. The initial phases involved complex handling and loading operations of the crane, following a strictly scheduled sequence: the temporary opening of the customs gates, the controlled transit of the SPMT convoy through the customs perimeter, and the tide-assisted loading with the support of two Panfido tugboats. Upon completion, the crane was firmly secured on the BOA Barge 38 for the start of its voyage.

This operation is part of an ambitious project: the design and construction of two new 800-tonne Goliath gantry cranes, an initiative that showcases Cimolai Technology’s expertise in heavy lifting systems, structural engineering, and complex infrastructure integration — all within a 24-month timeframe.

The project presented a series of unique technical challenges:

• Tight deadline: two fully operational Goliath gantry cranes within 24 months;
• Extraordinary span: a 118-metre bridge, a complex engineering challenge;
• High Safe Working Load (SWL): each crane certified for 800 tonnes;
• Infrastructure constraints: full compatibility with existing rails, avoiding the costs and authorisations required for new foundations;
• Operational continuity: shipyard activities must continue without interruption during installation.

Goliath crane solution

To meet these requirements, Cimolai Technology’s engineering team developed a solution focused on efficiency, structural optimisation, and operational safety: two rail-mounted gantry cranes fully customised to fit the existing layout, lattice structures to reduce overall weight and wind load, winches positioned on the lower beams to significantly lower the centre of gravity, and the capability to perform tandem lifts of up to 1,600 tonnes.

This approach ensures maximum lifting capacity, reduced structural loads, and full compatibility with existing constraints — without interrupting production.

This project represents not only a technical milestone but also a demonstration of how intelligent design can tackle complexity without compromise.

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The first of the two 800-tonne Goliath cranes on BOA Barge 38, destined for the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone.