The Rothen Group, a specialist contractor in waterways, has announced a substantial investment of over £500,000 to upgrade the crane technology on its fleet of boats. The initiative aims to enhance the company’s capabilities in managing a variety of projects related to the UK’s waterways.
In collaboration with Danish truck crane manufacturer HMF, The Rothen Group has successfully integrated new crane technology into 17 of its boats. This significant investment introduces eight different weight classifications to the fleet, ranging from six tonnes per metre to an impressive 50 tonnes per metre. This upgrade surpasses the previous maximum weight capacity of 40 tonnes per metre, allowing the company to tackle more demanding projects, including the replacement of lock gates, which can weigh as much as five tonnes.
The upgraded cranes will be instrumental in a variety of tasks that The Rothen Group undertakes, such as bank protection, piling, laying new towpaths, dredging, and changing lock gates. Over the past year, the company has worked on more than 50 projects that required the use of crane boats. The investment in new technology is expected to streamline operations, making the experience smoother and more efficient for operators.
Equipped with advanced features, the new cranes include third services, enabling the use of a clamshell attachment as well as remote control access. This functionality will be particularly beneficial during lock gate replacements, allowing crane operators to work from the most advantageous position rather than being restricted to the boat itself.
While HMF’s cranes are typically installed on heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), their successful integration into The Rothen Group’s fleet is the result of close collaboration between the two companies. Members of The Rothen Group have undergone extensive training provided by HMF, with plans for further software training later this year to maximise the capabilities of the new equipment.
Ian Rothen, Managing Director of The Rothen Group, expressed optimism regarding the recent upgrades. “We have been working with the new cranes for a few months now and have already seen the impact they have on our efficiency to complete our work,” he stated. Rothen highlighted the company’s ongoing commitment to fleet improvement, emphasising that this investment is just the beginning. “This is just the beginning of our plans to continue our growth and ensure we are able to maintain the UK’s waterways in the most efficient way possible,” he added.
Lee Francis, Managing Director of HMF, praised the partnership with The Rothen Group. “We are proud to partner with The Rothen Group for the work they are carrying out to preserve the historic canals and waterways of the UK,” he said. Francis further noted the importance of providing equipment that enhances safety and efficiency for the unique tasks undertaken by The Rothen Group. HMF also offers aftermarket service support for spare parts and reactive repairs, ensuring that the new technology remains operational and effective.
As The Rothen Group continues to invest in modernisation, the company is poised to further enhance its role in the preservation and maintenance of the UK’s waterways.
