Installation of 62T electrical overhead crane for Volta River Authority

In News by Alisa Evans

The Volta River Authority (VRA) is the main electricity generator and supplier in Ghana. Last year the management decided to replace and upgrade a 20-year old 32 tonne overhead crane originally manufactured by Philadelphia Tramrail in 1997. They approached Pasico, the Ghana-based subsidiary of Paterson Simons.

In April 2017 Pasico’s overhead crane engineers completed the installation of a 62 tonne double girder crane at the VRA thermal plant at Aboaze, in the Western Region of Ghana. The installation was time critical as the full capacity of the crane was needed for an urgent maintenance lift for turbine repairs.

The project also included removal of the existing crane and rails. New rails were installed and welded in place before the installation of the new crane. The crane was spliced to enable easy transport from the Konecranes factory in South Africa (a common option for cranes that exceed 12 metres in length – the length of a 40’ shipping container) and assembled on site by the Pasico team prior to lifting into place for final electrical works and testing. The crane was handed over to VRA on schedule.

“Pasico undoubtedly displayed professionalism in the timely delivery of this project in a cost effective manner meeting our expectations.” VRA Management

Pascio was ably supported by subcontractors Orsam for steel works and Mobicrane for rental of equipment – much of which was originally supplied by Paterson Simons.