The Royal Research Ship RRS Sir David Attenborough is a truly unique and impressive vessel, serving as the primary research platform for the British Antarctic Survey. This 129m long ship has a number of specialized features, including a 50-tonne crane for loading and unloading heavy equipment and supplies. One of the key features that allows the crew to safely lift and maneuver this equipment is the use of a modular spreader beam.

The Challenge of Lifting Heavy Equipment

Lifting heavy plant equipment, such as loading shovels or dozers, can be a significant challenge. These types of vehicles are often too heavy for traditional lifting beams, requiring specialized solutions to ensure safe and secure lifting. In the case of the RRS Sir David Attenborough, the crew had to deal with a particularly large and heavy vehicle – a new loading shovel that exceeded the capacity of their existing beam.

• The loading shovel was too heavy for the existing beam to handle safely.
• The crew needed a specialized solution to lift the shovel without compromising safety.

A Modular Solution

The British Antarctic Survey turned to Britlift for a specialized solution to their lifting needs. The company supplied a modular Traditional Modular spreader beam, which is one of its best-selling products. This beam is available in a variety of standard sizes to suit most applications, making it an ideal choice for the RRS Sir David Attenborough.

Benefits of the Modular Spreader Beam

Andrew Webb, technical superintendent for the British Antarctic Survey, highlighted the benefits of the modular spreader beam. “When lifting vehicles with the crane, we need to lift from four points to ensure stability,” he explained. “The modular spreader beam allows us to do this safely and efficiently, without compromising the stability of the crane or the vehicle.”

• Enables lifting from four points for added stability.
• Quick and easy to add or remove sections as needed.

Space-Saving Design

One of the key benefits of the modular spreader beam is its space-saving design. “On any ship, space is at a premium,” said Webb. “Having a modular system rather than a set of lifting beams is an obvious advantage. The real beauty of this modular spreader is that it is very easy to store as it breaks down into 1m sections.”

A Versatile and User-Friendly Solution

The modular spreader beam is not only space-efficient but also versatile and user-friendly. “We can be lifting quite heavy plant equipment like loading shovels or dozers,” said Webb. “And with the modular system, we can easily change the length depending on what we’re lifting. It is very quick and easy to add or remove sections, making it ideal for lifting lots of our vehicles and equipment.”

“The modular spreader beam has been a game-changer for us. It has greatly increased our efficiency and productivity, and has enabled us to lift heavier and more complex loads than ever before.”
— Andrew Webb, technical superintendent, British Antarctic Survey

Conclusion

The modular spreader beam has proven to be a valuable asset for the British Antarctic Survey on the Royal Research Ship RRS Sir David Attenborough. Its space-saving design, versatility, and user-friendly features have made it an indispensable tool for the crew, enabling them to lift and maneuver heavy equipment with ease and efficiency. As the crew continues to operate on this advanced polar research vessel, it is clear that the modular spreader beam will play a crucial role in the success of their mission.