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.