Marina gets a lift
by Bob Wonders on 25 Jun 2010
The ’big fellow’(150-tonne capacity) and the ’little fellow’ (50-tonne) ready to serve at the Gold Coast City Marina. - Marina gets a lift Bob Wonders
Queensland's Gold Coast City Marina has added to its extensive array of services with the acquisition of another Travelift, this time a US-manufactured unit capable of lifting vessels up to 50-tonnes.
The marina already uses another unit, supplied by Australian company Cribb Point Shiplift, with a lifting capacity of 150-tonnes.
According to the marina's general manager, Steve Sammes, CMM, the smaller lift was required to handle what he termed the bulk of the company's operations.
'About 3000 vessels pass through here every year for various re-fits and maintenance and the vast majority are in the 40' to 50' (12.29 to 15.24-metres) range,' he explained.
'Consequently, the smaller Travelift is ideal for that purpose and leaves the 150-tonner unit free for the larger vessels that occasionally come in.'
The new Travelift cost AUD$350,000.
If you think that's expensive, stay away from the larger one – it's valued at more than AUD$1 million.
Both units are powered by six-cylinder Cummins diesel engines, which in addition to providing power to the wheels, also power the hydraulic lifting equipment.
Despite the cost, Gold Coast City Marina management is already looking at replacing the 150-tonne unit, which is now a 10-year ‘veteran' at the marina.
'We haven't made a firm decision yet, 'Steve explained, 'However we are considering an even larger unit, probably a 200 or 250 tonne capacity lift.
'Let's just say it's on the table and under serious consideration,' he added.
Steve Sammes is one of Australia's most experienced marina managers; a former London police officer, he gained his CMM (Certified Marina Manager) qualifications in 1996, making him the second successful candidate.
He now has eight of his staff qualified as ‘Ship Lift Operators' able to efficiently operate the lifts.
'The MIAA (Marina Industries Association of Australia) has recently implemented a training program for ship lift operators and we put our people through the two-day course, which now has national recognition, during the past six months,' he said.
Overall, the marina, which dominates the Gold Coast City Marine Precinct, employs a full-time staff of 24, about 20 of whom report directly to Steve Sammes.
For further information contact the marina, telephone (07) 5502-5888 or visit the website, www.gccm.com.au
`
If you want to link to this article then please use this URL: www.sail-world.com/71193