The name Kochi is derived from the crane’s city of origin, where it was constructed by Japanese manufacturer SKK Cranes, and based on the SKK-1800DT-K model. The first project for the Kochi is expected to be in Newcastle, NSW. Waterway Constructions managing director Jim Millar says the Kochi will allow the company to take on major port-development projects. He suggests clients should involve his company as early as possible while project planning to take the most advantage of the Kochi’s unique capabilities.The Kochi outlifts similar capacity barge-mounted crawler cranes and can convert quickly between crane and piling modes. Its barge measures 45m by 18m wide and 3.5m high, and has six mooring winches. Its closed-water ballast system provides the crane with a maximised 360-degree lifting chart while containing the width of the barge so that it can navigate rivers and other waterways.On-board amenities include offices, a meeting room, a kitchen, a mess area and bathrooms below deck. Power is provided by twin 125-kilowatt generators.As a pile driver, the Kochi can handle pile hammers up to the size of Junttan 16s, which has a weight of 28.5t and a 16t accelerated ram. The leader can handle piles up to 30t weight and 1500mm diameter. Raking piles can also be installed at inclines of up to 22 degrees, plus or minus.Other features that increase Kochi’s versatility include the capability to mount a vibrator or drill motor (up to 30 tonne-metres torque), a kelly bar for bored piles, and a crowd force of 30t.The full slew crane can operate with a 22m, 34m or 40m jib. With the 22m jib it will lift 210t at up to 8.2m radius, and 74.8t at 23.1m. This maximum capacity reduces to 151t at 10.3m with a 34m jib, and 114t at 11.4m with a 40m jib.The boom can be folded down for travel when clearance under bridges is an issue. In this mode the clearance height is reduced to about 12m.
