NessCampbell debuts North America’s first Grove GMK6450-1

Delivered in early October, the Grove GMK6450-1, the first of its kind in North America, promptly took on multiple projects.

NessCampbell Crane + Rigging, a provider of crane and rigging solutions in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, showcased its latest acquisition, the 500-ton Grove GMK6450-1 all-terrain crane, during a complex towboat assembly project at Western Towboat’s Seattle facility. This endeavor marked the first deployment of the GMK6450-1 in North America, demonstrating its cutting-edge capabilities in real-world applications, the company said. 

The towboat assembly was a collaborative effort between NessCampbell and Western Towboat, with the GMK6450-1 playing a pivotal role alongside Western Towboat’s Manitowoc 3900 crawler crane. The project’s key lifts included positioning a 135,000-pound hull and installing a 58,000-pound towboat house. 

“We started by carefully rigging and rotating the hull into a vertical position, a task requiring absolute precision to avoid misalignment or damage,” explained Josh Buege, project manager, NessCampbell. “Then, we reconfigured the rigging to set the hull upright, allowing the towboat house to be lifted and secured into place.”

Executing the project in a crowded shipyard brought unique challenges, including limited space and unpredictable weather. NessCampbell’s team conducted thorough slope and ground stability assessments to ensure site safety, while operators closely monitored wind speeds to maintain lifting precision.

“Bringing the 500-ton GMK6450-1 into a crowded shipyard was no small feat,” added Buege. “Having this new crane was crucial—it delivered the reliability and precision we needed to guarantee a smooth and safe process.”

The project’s key lifts included positioning a 135,000-pound hull and installing a 58,000-pound towboat house.  Photo: Manitowoc

Before its first lift, the GMK6450-1 underwent an extensive inspection and operator training program at Western Pacific Crane & Equipment in Arlington, Washington, USA. Manitowoc factory technicians ensured that NessCampbell’s team was fully prepared to leverage the crane’s advanced features and handle any service-related issues.

“Our team was thrilled to deliver this GMK6450-1 to NessCampbell,” said Randy DeFosse, general manager, Western Pacific Crane & Equipment. “This crane’s strong capacity charts and maneuverability align perfectly with the demands of NessCampbell’s diverse projects.”