ALE has mobilised one of its heavy lift cranes to the Karbala refinery project in Iraq to raise 209-tonne tank roofs.

Measuring 53 m in diameter, each roof was built inside the tanks of the refinery.

ALE used a 1,600-tonne capacity crawler crane to hoist each structure up to the required height, where they were welded into place.

The UK-headquartered heavy lifting specialist was involved in the project in the early stages and helped design the lifting tackle arranged for the structures' 20 lifting points. The company’s recommendations ensured that the slings on the device were able to distribute the weight evenly.

Using the heavy-duty crawler crane, meanwhile, reduced the project time as the lifts were performed from two crane positions rather than three, added ALE.

www.ale-heavylift.com