New crane for Tyneside

A new crane standing 64 metres tall will bring new life to the former Swan Hunter shipyard at Tyneside in the UK.

Local Wallsend businesses WD Close & Sons and Titan Heavy Transport are responsible for the new crane.

It will be used to transfer heavy manufacturing goods in and out of Tyneside by river. The facility will have the capacity to lift 240 tonnes. Previous cranes at the site were demolished in 2007.

North Tyneside Mayor Linda Arkley said, "I know that the local population had a great affection for the previous giant cranes that used to be based on the Swan Hunter site.

"Unfortunately we were not able to retain those, but this new crane will be a positive marker that Swan Hunter is back open for business and has a new exciting future that is already driving economic success and creating jobs.

"When people realise there is a crane of this magnitude available, it will be used. It will mean more business and more economic growth."

Jupiter Offshore Services has invested in transporting the crane from Holland. It is a company formed by Dean Close, of WD Close, an offshore engineering company, and Chris Taylor, of heavy transport company Titan.