Long boom, small footprint: two Grove GMK5150XLs go to work on AZFEN’s Caspian platform
Turkish heavy lift specialist HAREKET has bought two Grove GMK5150XL all-terrain cranes and fast-tracked them to Azerbaijan, where they are supporting construction of an offshore gas platform for AZFEN.
Two cranes, fast-tracked to the Caspian
HAREKET, a Turkish heavy lifting and transport company operating across three continents, has strengthened its Caspian-region fleet with two Grove GMK5150XL all-terrain cranes. Both were fast-tracked to Azerbaijan to take the lead on lifting for a new offshore gas platform being built by AZFEN for the region’s expanding energy sector.
The sale was handled by KARUN, Manitowoc’s long-standing dealer for the region, which also covers parts, service and training.
Why the boom length matters here
The GMK5150XL carries a 68.7 m main boom — the longest available on a 150 t crane with a five-axle chassis. On a congested yard next to the Caspian, that specification does more than add reach: it allows HAREKET to complete specialised lifts at height on the main boom alone, without rigging a jib. Removing that step cuts set-up time significantly and reduces the amount of ground space needed for assembly, which is the binding constraint on a fabrication site of this type.
“We chose the Grove cranes for their high quality and will use them on a variety of projects after the construction of the offshore platform. The uninterrupted and safe progress of our clients’ projects is our highest priority; therefore, we chose Grove cranes for their durability and long service life. Choosing the GMK5150XL ensures we can meet demanding project timelines without compromise.”
— Samet Gürsu, general manager, HAREKET
Precision work on a fabrication yard
On the AZFEN site the two cranes are carrying out heavy-duty lifts to close tolerances, work that suits a machine able to reach high while keeping its outrigger footprint modest. HAREKET says it selected the model for build quality and for the reach available in its class, and that continuity of progress on client projects — rather than headline capacity — drove the specification.
Life after the platform
HAREKET has a 69-year history and runs a network across Eurasia, the Middle East and Africa. Once the gas platform work is complete, the two cranes are earmarked for wind turbine assembly, refinery maintenance and shipyard operations — a spread of applications that explains the preference for a long-boom five-axle machine over a heavier unit that would be harder to move between sites.
“The GMK5150XL is an incredibly versatile asset. Its combination of long boom and compact footprint makes it the ideal solution for energy and infrastructure sectors.”
— Cihan Bektaş, after-sales service manager, Karun
Source: Manitowoc — Photos: Manitowoc
Crane facts
- Model: 2 x Grove GMK5150XL all-terrain crane
- Capacity: 150 t
- Main boom: 68.7 m — longest on a five-axle 150 t chassis
- Advantage cited: High lifts on main boom alone, no jib rigging
Owner and project
- Owner: HAREKET, Turkey
- Dealer: KARUN
- Project: AZFEN offshore gas platform, Azerbaijan
- Future work: Wind turbine assembly, refinery maintenance, shipyards