Modulift Spreader Beams Support Historic Lift of WWII Dry Dock Gate in Australia
A Lift of Historic Proportions
A complex heavy lifting operation in Australia saw Modulift spreader beams used to successfully lift and reposition a historic World War II-era dry dock gate weighing approximately 308 tonnes.
The project involved the removal and relocation of a dry dock gate at the former Forgacs Dry Dock facility, one of Australia’s most significant maritime infrastructure assets. The lift represented a major engineering challenge due to the gate’s size, age and lack of original lifting specifications. Working alongside East Coast Cranes and Tutt Bryant Heavy Lift and Shift, the project team utilised a modular lifting configuration to complete a lift that had not been attempted since the gate was originally installed during the 1940s.
Project Challenges in Maritime Infrastructure Lifting
Lifting large marine and port infrastructure components presents a unique set of engineering challenges. Historic structures often have limited documentation, unknown load characteristics and restricted access for lifting operations.
In this case, the dry dock gate measured approximately 37 metres wide and 14 metres high, with around 10 metres of the structure submerged. The gate also contained approximately 180 tonnes of water ballast, creating additional complexity when determining the total load and centre of gravity.
Adding to the challenge, the gate had no original lifting points or verified weight specifications. The project team was required to carefully assess the structure and develop a lifting solution capable of safely handling the load while maintaining stability throughout the operation.
The gate’s location beneath the flight path of Brisbane Airport introduced further planning considerations, requiring precise coordination throughout the lift.
Equipment Used for the Project
To complete the lift, the project team utilised a modular spreader beam arrangement comprising one Modulift MOD® 400 spreader beam and two MOD® 250 spreader beams.
The beams were configured in a 1-over-2 lifting arrangement, enabling the load to be distributed across multiple lifting points while maintaining control of the large structure during lifting and repositioning.
The modular configuration provided the flexibility required to accommodate the unique geometry of the dry dock gate while supporting safe and efficient load handling throughout the operation.
By combining proven lifting equipment with specialist heavy-lift expertise, the team successfully completed a lift that had not been undertaken for more than 80 years.
Sarah Spivey, Managing Director at Modulift, commented, “Seeing our spreader beams used in projects of this scale and historical importance highlights the global trust in our engineering solutions. Customers across the globe can access the MOD system quickly for critical heavy lifts like this.”
Why a 1-Over-2 Lifting Configuration Was Selected
Large structural components often require multiple lifting points to maintain stability and prevent excessive loading in specific areas of the structure.
A 1-over-2 spreader beam configuration was selected because it offered several important advantages:
- Improved load distribution
- Greater lifting stability
- Multiple lifting point capability
- Enhanced control during lifting operations
- Reduced compressive forces on the structure (repeated below)For oversized marine infrastructure assets, maintaining balanced load distribution is essential to protecting the structure and ensuring safe project execution.
How Modular Spreader Beams Support Heavy Marine Lifts
Marine infrastructure projects frequently involve loads with unusual dimensions, challenging lifting points and uncertain load characteristics.
Modular spreader beam systems help address these challenges by:
- Accommodating multiple lifting points
- Supporting a wide range of load sizes
- Providing adaptable lifting configurations
- Improving lifting stability
- Reducing the need for Custom lifting equipment
Because modular systems can be configured to suit different project requirements, they are widely used across marine, port, shipyard and civil engineering applications.
Technical Lift Configuration Used on the Project
| Specification | Project Detail |
| Structure | Lifted WWII-era dry dock gate |
| Location | Australia |
| Approximate Load Weight | 308 tonnes |
| Additional Water Ballast | 180 tonnes |
| Structure Width | 37 metres |
| Structure Height | 14 metres |
| Submerged Depth | 10 metres |
| Top Beam Configuration | MOD® 400 |
| Lower Beam Configuration | Two MOD® 250 beams |
| Lift Arrangement | 1-over-2 configuration |
This lifting arrangement enabled the project team to safely manage one of Australia’s most significant maritime infrastructure lifting operations.
The Importance of Heavy Lifting in Marine Infrastructure Projects
Ports, dry docks and marine facilities often contain large structural assets that require specialist lifting solutions during maintenance, refurbishment and redevelopment programmes.
Projects involving dry dock gates, lock gates, bridge sections and other marine infrastructure demand careful engineering assessment to ensure safe handling and installation.
Modular lifting systems provide the flexibility needed to support these projects while accommodating varying load sizes, lifting geometries and site constraints.
As ageing maritime infrastructure continues to undergo modernisation and redevelopment, engineered lifting solutions remain critical to project success.
Planning a Marine Infrastructure Lifting Project?
Marine and port infrastructure projects often involve complex lifts where load stability, safety and engineering precision are critical. From dry dock gates and lock gates to
bridge sections, marine structures and heavy civil engineering assets, selecting the right lifting solution is essential for successful project delivery.
Whether you’re undertaking a port redevelopment, infrastructure upgrade or specialist marine lifting operation, Modulift’s engineering team can help identify the most effective below-the-hook solution for your requirements.
Contact our team today to discuss your lifting application and discover how Modulift spreader beam systems can support safe and efficient marine infrastructure lifting operations.