Palfinger to supply 48 wind turbine cranes

REpower Systems has ordered 48 platform articulated loader cranes from Palfinger Wind for service work on large capacity offshore wind turbines.

The PSM 400 cranes will be delivered over the next year, said Palfinger, and have the appropriate certification from GL or DNV.

The Palfinger PK 40002 is part of the Palfinger Wind product range for 5 and 6 MW wind turbines. "The 5M and 6M offshore turbines with a rated power of 5,075 KW and a rotor diameter of 126.5 m belong to the megawatt class and therefore to the largest and most powerful wind turbines in the world," said a company spokesman, "The PK 40002 onboard crane itself has been a permanently installed standard component of these turbines since the start of production."

These types of cranes have become essential in the upkeep, maintenance and servicing of wind turbines and reduce downtime to a minimum, added the company.

"We offer our customers a well thought-out and internationally tested service concept. It is based on a number of nacelle and platform cranes which are custom-designed and perfectly matched to each other in addition to a global service network, " explained Thomas Nitsch, headof the Wind division at Palfinger..

"Loading and unloading processes from supply ships and helicopter platforms become faster and safer. Handling of loads inside nacelles and platforms is also made considerably easier for the service teams," added Nitsch.