5 Ton & 12 Ton Electric Chain Hoists for Shipyard in UAE

Project Overview

A major shipyard in the United Arab Emirates required high-reliability lifting equipment to handle engine components, ship modules, and structural blocks at an unusually high lifting height. After a detailed technical consultation, Yuantai Crane supplied a total of four customized electric chain hoists:

Two units – 5-ton electric chain hoist with motorized trolley

• Lifting height: 50 m
• Lifting speed: 2.7 m/min
• Travel speed: single-speed trolley

Two units – 12-ton electric chain hoist with motorized trolley

• Lifting height: 50 m
• Lifting speed: 1.8 m/min
• Travel speed: single-speed trolley

These specifications exceed standard chain hoist configurations and require enhanced engineering solutions to meet the rigors of shipyard operations.

Initial Technical Recommendation & Customer Decision

Due to the extreme lifting height of 50 meters, Yuantai Crane initially recommended a wire rope hoist solution, which typically provides better performance for long-lift applications because of lighter rope weight and smoother reeving.

However, the customer evaluated their operational habits and maintenance preferences and ultimately chose electric chain hoists for the following reasons:

• Operators were more familiar with chain hoist handling
• Chain hoists provided the low-speed precision they preferred
• Maintenance, inspection, and spare parts management were simpler
• Compatibility with their existing lifting equipment

Yuantai Crane respected the customer’s preference and designed a fully customized chain hoist solution suitable for long lifting distances and heavy-duty shipyard work.

Customer Challenges

1. Extraordinary 50-Meter Lifting Height

Standard chain hoists rarely exceed 30 meters. A 50 m lift creates challenges such as heavy chain weight, chain storage capacity, and increased stress on the lifting mechanism.

2. Slow, Precise Lifting of Heavy Ship Components

Ship assembly and engine installation require controlled, stable lifting with minimal load swing and precise load placement.

3. Harsh UAE Coastal Environment

High temperatures, moisture, and salt-laden air can accelerate corrosion and degrade equipment.

4. Compatibility With Existing Beams and Workflows

The hoists needed to integrate seamlessly into the customer’s existing shipyard layout without modifying steel structures.

Yuantai Crane’s Customized Solution

1. Enhanced Chain Hoist Design for Long Lifting Height

To ensure safe and stable lifting at 50 meters, Yuantai delivered:
 

• Reinforced high-strength alloy load chain
• Large-capacity chain containers engineered for heavy chain storage
• Improved chain guide and reeving design to prevent jamming
• High-torque lifting motors provide consistent single-speed lifting
• Upgraded thermal protection for UAE high-temperature operation

This ensures smooth load handling even with the significant chain weight associated with long-lift applications.

2. Motorized Trolley With Single-Speed Travel

The hoists were supplied with robust single-speed motorized trolleys featuring:
 

• Heavy-duty drive motors
• Precision-machined wheels suitable for long-running beams
• Mechanical bumpers, end-stops, and limit switches
• Stable, controlled travel is ideal for handling large ship modules

Even without VFD, the system delivers smooth movement suitable for shipyard assembly tasks.

3. Marine-Grade Corrosion Protection

Considering the coastal environment, Yuantai applied:

• Marine-grade anti-corrosion coating
• Stainless-steel fasteners in key exposed areas
• Rust-resistant chain containers
• Electrical systems with IP55 protection
• Motors designed for high ambient temperatures

These measures ensure long-term durability and reliability.

4. Low-Speed Lifting for Fine Positioning

The customized single-speed lift motors provide:

• 2.7 m/min for 5t hoists
• 1.8 m/min for 12t hoists

These speeds are ideal for:

• Ship module alignment
• Engine room installations
• Precision fit-up work
• Controlled lifting in narrow or confined spaces

Hoists and Cranes Commonly Used in Shipyards

Shipyards involve complex lifting tasks ranging from hull block assembly to engine installation, pipe section handling, deck outfitting, and routine maintenance. Depending on the load, height, and working environment, several types of hoists and cranes for sale from Yuantai Crane are commonly used:

• 
  Overhead bridge crane for sale
• 
  gantry crane for sale
• 
  Workstation jib crane for sale
• 
  Wire rope hoist for sale
• 
  Electric chain fall hoist for sale
• 
  Winch for sale
• 
  European hoist and crane for sale
• 
  Hoist and crane parts for sale
• 
  Types of hoist and crane projects for reference

Remote Installation & Commissioning Support

Due to the customer’s project timeline, Yuantai provided a complete remote installation service, including:
 

1. Detailed installation drawings and wiring diagrams
2. Step-by-step setup and chain reeving instructions
3. Real-time video guidance during mechanical assembly
4. Online troubleshooting for electrical connections and load testing
5. Remote commissioning and performance verification

The shipyard installation team completed the setup smoothly and brought the equipment into service ahead of schedule.

Customer Feedback

After commissioning, the shipyard shared positive feedback:

“The electric chain hoists operate smoothly even at full lifting height. The motorized trolleys run very steadily, and the chain quality is excellent. Thank you for the timely technical support and fast delivery.”

The reliability and lifting precision of the 5-ton and 12-ton hoists significantly improved their efficiency when handling large vessel components.

Why UAE Shipyards Choose Yuantai Crane

• Proven experience in long-lift custom hoists
• Ability to offer both wire rope and chain hoist options
• Engineering-driven customization for special working conditions
• Fast remote installation support
• Better value compared to European suppliers

Yuantai Crane continues to provide advanced, reliable lifting solutions to shipyards, offshore fabrication facilities, and heavy industrial operations worldwide.

Upgrade your lifting efficiency with Yuantai

If your shipyard or marine engineering facility requires high-lift, heavy-duty, or custom-designed electric hoists, Yuantai Crane is ready to provide a solution tailored to your operations.

Contact us today for engineering consultation, customized designs, and fast delivery to the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and global shipbuilding markets.

FAQs – Electric Hoists for UAE Shipyards

1. Can electric chain hoists safely operate at a 50-meter lifting height?

Yes, as long as they are properly engineered. Yuantai provides reinforced load chains, oversized chain containers, and high-torque motors to ensure stable operation at extreme lifting heights up to 50–60 meters.

2. Can these hoists be used outdoors near seawater?

Yes. With proper coating and sealing, the hoists are suitable for coastal and semi-outdoor use. Fully outdoor environments may require upgraded weatherproofing.

3. Do customers receive installation support?

Absolutely. Yuantai provides:
 

• Full manuals and drawings
• On-site service (if required)
• Online installation videos
• Remote video guidance
• Remote commissioning and load test assistance

This allowed the UAE shipyard to complete the installation smoothly.

4. What is the delivery time for custom long-lift chain hoists?

Typical production time is 20–35 days, depending on specifications, corrosion protection, and trolley configuration. Shipping time depends on the destination port.

5. What lifting capacities are available for shipyard applications?

Common capacities range from 1 ton to 50 tons for chain and wire rope hoists, while open-winch hoists can exceed 100 tons for large block handling.

6. Are spare parts easy to obtain?

Yes. Chains, hooks, limit switches, motors, and trolleys are standardized for quick replacement, and Yuantai offers enough spare parts support.