Operating a crane of any sort requires in-depth training followed by industry certifications.

So, with the recent delivery of two mobile Liebherr 70-tonne cranes, and another one on its way, driver operators at Transport Electrical Mechanical Engineering (TEME) have to be schooled before getting behind the controls.

Nine level 6 machine driver operators, who work with the Special Purpose Vehicles section at TEME, just completed the required two five-day training sessions delivered by an instructor from the German-based manufacturer Liebherr.

They also received another four-day course for hook-tender certification that was delivered by an instructor from Big Foot Crane Academy located in Abbotsford, B.C. 

Next in line for training are 10 TEME employees who work as hook tenders on crane operations.

The new cranes, which are attached to large trucks, will be used for loading and unloading heavy equipment and other materials on and off the trucks and out of warehouses, as well as loading ammunition on warships.

“The training enables our workers to be fully prepared to handle new challenges of loading much heavier and cumbersome equipment required for delivery in the future fleet, including the RCN’s new Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships,” said Chris Shipway, TEME Supervisor, Special Purpose Vehicles.

The new cranes replace two older intermediate construction-style 35 and 40 tonne cranes that have reached the end of their lifecycle.

The Liebherr Crane has a maximum load capacity of 70 tonnes and a 50-metre telescopic boom coupled with a range of reliable, modern technology. 

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