February 3 - Huisman, a specialist in heavy lifting, pipelay and drilling equipment, has opened a production hall in China.

It is the company's largest production hall, at 205 m long, 54 m wide and 62 m tall. The height and 2,000 tonne internal hoisting capacity has the advantage of allowing products to be assembled vertically.

Huisman already has production facilities in the Netherlands and Czech Republic and opened in Fujian in the Xiamen area of China in 2007. Huisman China has delivered more than 20 cranes, including three 800 tonne capacity heavy lift mast cranes and several 300 tonne pedestal mounted offshore cranes.

One crane under construction is the 5,000 tonne capacity offshore mast crane for Acergy's Borealis - see our webnews item from 17,12.09

Huisman China has 17 production halls, a shot blasting and painting hall and a maintenance facility, which includes a welding school. Products are tested throughout the production process and before delivery for faster installation, commissioning and testing onboard. Huisman is accessible for seagoing vessels and has access to heavy lift capacity to install equipment onboard.