NessCampbell’s new Grove GMK6450-1 powers towboat assembly in Seattle

• Delivered in early October, the Grove GMK6450-1, the first of its kind in North America, promptly took on multiple projects.
• NessCampbell chose this model for its high capacity, powerful luffing jib, and quick assembly.
• Strong partnerships with Manitowoc and Western Pacific Crane & Equipment guided the investment.

NessCampbell Crane + Rigging, a leader in crane and rigging solutions across the Pacific Northwest, partnered with Western Towboat to assemble a new towboat at its Seattle facility. Central to the project was a 500 USt (450 t) Grove GMK6450-1 all-terrain crane, NessCampbell's latest acquisition and the first model of its kind in North America. The brand-new GMK6450-1 worked alongside Western Towboat's Manitowoc 3900 crawler crane to complete the complex assembly process.

Primary tasks included lifting and rotating a massive hull and placing the towboat house on top. NessCampbell's skilled crew carefully planned each step to ensure a smooth lift and secure assembly.

NessCampbell's team first rigged the 135,000-pound hull, carefully lifting and rotating it into a vertical position. The operation required precise control and stability to prevent misalignment or damage. Following the initial lift, the team reconfigured the rigging to set the hull upright, preparing it for the next assembly steps with Western Towboat's crew. The GMK6450-1 was then used to lift the 58,000-pound towboat house and place it onto the hull.

The teams overcame multiple challenges, including tight space constraints.

"Bringing the 500-USt GMK6450-1 into a crowded shipyard was no small feat," said Josh Buege, NessCampbell's project manager for the towboat assembly. "We tackled site logistics challenges by conducting slope and ground stability assessments to keep everything secure."

With Seattle's unpredictable weather, operators closely monitored wind speeds to ensure they remained below 10 mph, prioritizing efficiency and lift precision.

"Having the new Grove GMK6450-1 was crucial for this project. It allowed us to lift heavy components with the reliability and precision we require," Buege added. "Our highly trained team, coupled with this outstanding crane, guaranteed a safe and smooth assembly process for Western Towboat."