Posted on April 29, 2025
At the Carmeuse Erie Dock Operation in Erie, PA, site supervisor Captain Bob Doerr oversaw the removal of two 8,000-pound generators and the installation of their new replacements aboard a ship. The project, though familiar in nature, required a high level of coordination, reliable rigging, and the right tools to ensure a safe and efficient outcome. Having worked with LGH in the past, they knew they could count on the team for a reliable lift.
Navigating the generator through tight quarters using our Hand Chain Hoist.
While similar lifts had been executed on ships before, several factors made this project uniquely complex:
Tight Spaces & Low Overhead: The generators couldn’t fit through the hatches cleanly, and low ceilings left little room for maneuvering.
Complex Movement: The lift required transitioning across three decks and multiple hatches, with several hook transfers and difficult angles throughout the process.
Limited Manpower & Gear Constraints: While the crew had their own slings and shackles, they needed reliable tools in excellent condition to complete the setup and execute the lift efficiently.
Inconsistent Lifting Points: Differences between the old and new generators’ lift points required on-the-fly problem-solving to adjust rigging angles and maintain load control.
To overcome these challenges, the team selected LGH to supply a 5-ton hand chain hoist, equipment chosen specifically for its quality, reliability, and suitability in tight conditions. The rigging plan, developed by the Erie crew, relied on LGH’s gear to:
Cut down on headroom requirements
Handle heavy loads with confidence
Adapt quickly to last-minute changes in lifting strategy
Capt. Doerr noted that LGH’s equipment was not only dependable but also always up to inspection standards. The team handled the rigging plan independently this time. However, they acknowledged the value of LGH’s expert Representative, Jason Bugansky, who had previously helped design lifting solutions.
Aligning the new generator for installation after a multi-deck lift.
Despite the logistical complexity and in-the-moment adjustments, the generator replacement was completed ahead of schedule and under budget. The project was described as “squared away” by Capt. Doerr, with LGH’s equipment playing a critical role in keeping operations smooth and safe. This project reinforced the value of a reliable equipment partner- trusted when precision, timing, and safety matter most.
Vital maritime commercial industry provides in excess of 750 jobs and over $110 million in annual economic activity to the Erie area. As Pennsylvania’s only commercial lake port, Erie is the region’s import and export link to the world through the St. Lawrence Seaway. The Port also boasts efficient links to rail and Interstates 79 and 90 allowing quick, easy access to destinations in every direction. Drydocking and ship repair opportunities are available at one of the largest facilities on the Great Lakes.
LGH holds North America’s largest inventory of lifting and rigging equipment, offering safe and efficient solutions for a variety of industries. With over 70,000 pieces of equipment and a network of locations across the U.S. and Canada, LGH is dedicated to supporting customers with the best rigging gear available.
