The Bundeswehr can now lift heavy objects.

Approximately one year after being commissioned by the federal-owned BwFuhrparkService (BwFPS) GmbH on behalf of the Procurement Office of the Bundeswehr, the German Navy recently received the first of a total of 5 new heavy-duty cranes for the naval base in Wilhelmshaven, in order to gradually replace the nearly 24-year-old predecessors.

The mobile crane of the type "GMK 4080-3" is an All-Terrain Crane (AT-Crane) that is suitable for off-road use and can lift up to 70 tons. Due to its comparatively compact dimensions, combined with an increase in ergonomics in the driver's cab, it is maneuverable, especially in the sometimes narrow port facilities of the Navy.

The mobile crane is used by the Navy for loading and unloading ships and boats with supplies of all kinds from piers and quays. Equipped with a work basket, the mobile crane can also be used for maintenance and assembly work on ships, boats, and stationary logistical facilities up to a height of 75 meters.

A total of twelve of these cranes have been agreed upon for provision with BwFPS, with five systems going to the Navy and seven more cranes meeting the needs of the Joint Support Service. The delivery of all ordered AT cranes to both branches of the armed forces is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.

BUNDESWEHR online