750-Tonne Crawler Crane Overturns Into Sea at Porto do Açu, Brazil
30-Second Takeaway
A 750-tonne Manitowoc M18000 Max-ER crawler crane overturned sideways into the sea while lifting a large cable reel at an offshore logistics base in Porto do Açu, Brazil. The incident reportedly occurred after ground failure beneath one of the crane’s tracks. No injuries were reported. An investigation into ground conditions and site preparation is expected.
Incident Overview
A major crane incident occurred at an Aliseo / Petrobras offshore logistics base in Porto do Açu, Brazil, involving a 750-tonne Manitowoc M18000 Max-ER crawler crane.
During a lifting operation involving a large cable reel, the crane overturned sideways, coming to rest partially in the sea.
What Is Known
Location: Porto do Açu, Brazil
Facility: Aliseo / Petrobras offshore logistics base
Crane involved: Manitowoc M18000 Max-ER crawler crane
Rated capacity: 750 tonnes
Lift: Large cable reel
Outcome: Crane overturned sideways into the water
Injuries: None reported
Early reports indicate the overturn occurred after the ground gave way beneath one of the crane’s tracks.
Incident Cause
Based on information received so far:
Ground failure beneath a track is believed to have initiated the overturn
No mechanical or operator-related causes have been confirmed
No official investigation findings have yet been released
Further details are expected once site and ground assessments are completed.
Why Incidents Like This Can Occur
Large crawler cranes place extreme bearing pressures on the ground, particularly during heavy lifts near waterfronts or reclaimed land.
Overturns can occur when:
Ground bearing capacity is overestimated
Subsurface layers are unstable or saturated
Edge loading near water reduces soil integrity
Load shifts increase track pressure asymmetrically
Even small localized failures beneath one track can rapidly lead to loss of stability.
Industry Reminder
Large crawler cranes are unforgiving when ground conditions deteriorate. Waterfront and logistics bases introduce unique risks that require conservative ground engineering and disciplined lift planning.
The absence of injuries in this incident was fortunate, given the scale of the crane and the proximity to water.
Editorial Note
Crane Hub Global reports on crane and heavy-lift incidents to support industry awareness and prevention. This article reflects information available at the time of publication and will be updated if official findings are released.
How Incidents Like This Can Be Prevented
Comprehensive Ground Investigation
Ground assessments should include subsurface testing, particularly near quay edges or reclaimed land.
Engineered Crane Mats and Load Distribution
Track loading should be spread using engineered mat systems designed for crane size and lift configuration.
Lift Planning Near Water
Additional safety factors should be applied when lifting near water due to erosion risk and soil saturation.
Real-Time Ground Monitoring
Monitoring for ground settlement or movement during heavy lifts can provide early warning of instability.
Conservative Load and Radius Management
Maintaining wider margins when operating at high capacities reduces sensitivity to localized ground failure.
