Conductix-Wampfler Electrifies Cranes for the Osborne Naval Shipyard in Australia

Conductix-Wampfler will supply conductor rails and energy guiding chains on 15 overhead cranes for a major, global crane manufacturer for the Osborne South Development Project at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia. The end-customer is Australian Naval Infrastructure Pty Ltd, and the operator of the premier naval shipyard is ASC Shipbuilding Pty Ltd (a subsidiary of BAE Systems Australia). Among other applications, the new gantry cranes will be used to build the new Hunter-class frigates for the Royal Australian Navy.

Electrically-powered equipment in costal ports and yards must endure extreme operational parameters and the harshest environmental conditions, even when not used outdoors. At the Osborne Naval Shipyard, 14 indoor overhead cranes and one outdoor portal crane will be outfitted with Conductix-Wampfler's 0800 series conductor rails. “Our single-pole series 0811 and 0813 conductor rails will supply power during long travel. The rails are characterized by their modular structure and their almost limitless expandability in terms of the number of poles and length,” explains Anthony Piscopo, Business Development Manager at Conductix-Wampfler Australia. The robust and stable LM52 series energy guiding chains with aluminum frame stays provide reliable energy and data for cross travel even at high speeds.

“The decisive factor for the order was the high-quality standard of our products and the fact that we were able to offer an ideal solution for every application from our range. Conductix-Wampfler has years of experience in the electrification of shipyard and port equipment and provides extensive on-site technical support throughout the stages of the planning and tendering process – from both Australian and European locations. This allows us to locally store components that come from our production sites in Europe before delivery to the construction site, enabling a high degree of flexibility. In the future, we will also be able to deliver spare parts on short notice,” emphasizes Piscopo. This optimal mix of global support and a standardized product range, combined with local knowledge of conditions and requirements and the ability to offer local trading terms is the best way to serve OEM and end-customer needs. Conductix-Wampfler operates four branches with a total of 35 employees in Australia.