CARGO GRAB LOAD TEST
EIWAA provides load testing, inspection, and certifications of cargo grabs and grab buckets that are attached to the crane for the bulk cargo handling operations. It is important that the cargo grab is structurally and mechanically stable and ensures structural integrity during handling operations and complies with the requirements of ship classification rules, port regulations, and safety codes to prevent structural failure and dropped loads. Grab bucket attached to the lifting equipment of floating cranes, offshore bulk carriers, FPSOs, transshipment vessels, port conveyors, and handling units.
Cargo grab load testing inspection and certification shall be performed by our professional marine surveyors with LEEA/LOLER certifications by calibrated water bags, water weights, and dynamometer load testing. Structural integrity and periodic inspection requirements satisfy the ship classification requirements of SOLAS, ABS, BV, NK, RINA, and DNV. Ship classification rules, maritime codes, and standards of cargo handling and grab bucket load testing inspection are as follows:
- DNV ST 0377: Specifies the requirements of structural integrity, periodic inspection, regular survey, load testing inspection, thorough examination, and certification of lifting gears and cargo grabs and load handling devices.
- Lloyd's Register: Specifies the inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements of grab cranes and submersible lifting appliances of load handling devices/loose lifting gears.
- SOLAS/IMO Regulation II/I: Specifies design, inspection, testing, and overhauling of cargo handling units, lifting appliances, grab buckets, and cargo grabs.
GRAB BUCKET INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
Structural inspection of the grab bucket includes bucket shells, lip edge, side plates, lifting lugs, guide rollers, and all the critical joints. Grab bucket maintenance is mainly focused on hydraulic inspection, service, and maintenance. Repair and maintenance shall be performed by welding, and it will be inspected by nondestructive testing and NDE evaluation by magnetic particle inspection, ultrasonic testing, and eddy current testing. Cargo grab bucket inspection specifically for mechanical and electrical inspection includes opening/closing systems, hydraulic systems, electrical components, locking mechanisms, and limit switches.