News Release

9 December, 2005

Model 16000 Brings Wind Power to South Korea

A Manitowoc Model 16000 is used to assemble a wind turbine.

A Manitowoc Model 16000 crawler crane has been instrumental in the installation of wind power turbines at the Gangwon Wind Power Park, in Kangwondo in the northeast of South Korea. The first turbines are being erected on the Young Pyoung hills with each capable of generating 2 MW of electricity. Contractors are using a 400 t (440 USt) Model 16000, fitted with 84 m (275.6 ft) of heavy lift-boom, to erect the turbines.

The Model 16000, owned by Daewon Crane, was fitted with an adjustable 90 t (99 USt) capacity pin-on upper boom point for the project. Manitowoc designed this attachment for wind turbine installation and it provides an extra 7 m (23 ft) of reach.

South Korean company Unison Co and Danish wind turbine manufacturer, Vestas, are jointly managing the project. Each wind tower consists of a lower tower, an upper tower, a nacelle, and a rotor (the blades attach to the rotor). The heaviest part of the tower is the 73 t (80.4 USt) nacelle, which attaches to the 60 m (197 ft) upper tower top. However, the most challenging task is the placement of the 40 t (44 USt) rotor, as each of the three blades measure 40 m (131 ft) in length. Each installation requires close cooperation between the rigging crew and the crane operator. However, the superior stability of the Model 16000 and the engineering expertise of Daewon ensured flawless execution of these lifts.

The terrain of the wind farm requires riggers to move the Model 16000 every week to a different hillside position, which involves disassembling, transportation, and reassembly of the crane. However, this is easy and efficient thanks to the crane’s modular design and Manitowoc’s patented FACT connection technology. According to Unison job site manager Park Gyu-Tae, the use of the Model 16000 has saved time on the job.

“Although it sounds time consuming, actually assembling and disassembling the Model 16000 is very easy. It performs the task so efficiently, we are certain we will complete the required sections of the project before winter sets in,” he said. “We have all been very impressed with the Model 16000’s performance. It really is the ideal machine for wind turbine installation.”

The project, which includes 49 wind turbines, will be finished by October 2006. The windmills will provide enough electricity for 40,000 families in the area.