Ainscough Crane Hire recently worked with its client AmcoGiffen to remove a landmark 20,000kg bridge at a historic Liverpool dock ahead of essential repair work utilizing its Liebherr LTM 1300-6.2.
- Meagan Wood
- Feb 21, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 27, 2025
30-Second Takeaway
Ainscough Crane Hire has successfully supported critical infrastructure repairs at Liverpool’s historic Brunswick Dock by safely removing a 20-tonne lift bridge using a Liebherr LTM 1300-6.2 mobile crane. Working in close collaboration with AmcoGiffen and the Canal & River Trust, Ainscough overcame confined dockside access, complex logistics, and challenging weather conditions through meticulous planning and expert execution demonstrating its capability to deliver precision lifting solutions in sensitive, high-profile environments.
Ainscough Crane Hire recently collaborated with its client AmcoGiffen to remove a significant 20,000kg bridge at a historic Liverpool dock in preparation for essential repair work. On behalf of the national waterways charity Canal & River Trust, Ainscough deployed its Liebherr LTM 1300-6.2 crane to remove a lift bridge at Brunswick Dock on the River Mersey, facilitating AmcoGiffen's efforts to install new bearings and reseal the hydraulic lifting rams. Brunswick Dock, located within the Port of Liverpool, is part of the Southern Dock system and houses the Royal Navy Headquarters for the North of England (RNHQ NE), which includes the Royal Naval Reserve shore establishment HMS Eaglet.
Ainscough made two visits to the dock to complete the lift. The initial visit involved the removal of stoplogs hydraulic engineering control elements utilized in floodgates to adjust water levels. AmcoGiffen manufactured and installed the stop planks to seal off the lock from the river and dock, enabling the disconnection of the bridge. Ainscough returned to the site to remove the 20-ton bridge for repairs. Positioning the 300-ton crane, which featured a 34.20m boom length, within the confined dock environment presented several challenges; these were effectively addressed through meticulous planning by Ainscough’s appointed person, Karl Dawson. Access to Brunswick Dock was achieved via intricate roadways surrounding the busy Albert Dock. Timber was utilized to assist the crane’s wheels and tires in mounting the curb, facilitating navigation through the Albert Dock traffic island. The bridge is currently undergoing necessary repairs, and upon completion, Ainscough will return to Brunswick Dock to reinstall it.
Garry Burke, Ainscough’s Lancaster and Preston depot manager, stated: “This lift of a critical piece of infrastructure was potentially complex, yet it was simplified through effective teamwork and a strong relationship between Ainscough and our client. The confined environment of the dock and the inclement weather conditions by the River Mersey presented challenges; however, thanks to our team’s expertise and close collaboration with AmcoGiffen, we successfully completed the removal with minimal issues.”
Shaun Hastings, engineering manager at AmcoGiffen, remarked: “Ainscough provided outstanding support during this intricate lift, utilizing their extensive knowledge to minimize the crane size in a restricted area of the docks. Karl Dawson’s role as the appointed person was pivotal in positioning the crane and developing the slinging strategy to achieve the ‘perfect lift. “
The site team demonstrated diligence in the setup, with all discussions conducted efficiently and as planned. The entire team represented Ainscough exceptionally well.
About Ainscough Crane Hire
Ainscough Crane Hire is the largest crane hire company in the United Kingdom, providing contract lift, crane hire, and engineered lifting solutions across a wide range of sectors including infrastructure, construction, utilities, energy, ports, marine, rail, and industrial projects.
Founded in 1977, Ainscough operates a nationwide network of depots and runs a modern, diverse fleet of mobile, all-terrain, crawler, and specialist cranes, enabling the company to support projects ranging from confined urban lifts to large-scale infrastructure and dockside operations. The business is particularly well known for its expertise in complex and safety-critical lifts, supported by in-house appointed persons, lift planners, and engineering teams.
Ainscough places strong emphasis on safety, compliance, and operational excellence, maintaining industry-leading standards through rigorous training, digital lift planning tools, and continuous investment in equipment and people. The company regularly works alongside major contractors, local authorities, and asset owners on projects involving bridges, waterways, ports, and historic infrastructure.
With decades of experience and a reputation for reliability, Ainscough Crane Hire continues to play a key role in maintaining and upgrading critical infrastructure throughout the UK.
🔗 Learn more: https://www.ainscough.co.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the scope of Ainscough’s role at Brunswick Dock?
Ainscough Crane Hire was responsible for planning and executing the safe removal of a 20,000kg lift bridge to allow AmcoGiffen to carry out essential repairs, including bearing replacement and hydraulic ram resealing.
Which crane was used for the bridge removal?
Ainscough deployed a Liebherr LTM 1300-6.2, a 300-tonne all-terrain mobile crane, configured with a 34.20-metre boom to suit the confined dockside environment.
Why was the lift particularly challenging?
The operation took place within a historic dock with limited space, complex access routes around Albert Dock, and variable weather conditions along the River Mersey. Precise positioning and careful load management were critical.
How was access to the dock achieved?
The crane accessed Brunswick Dock via intricate roadways surrounding the busy Albert Dock area. Timber was used to assist the crane in mounting curbs and safely navigating traffic islands.
What planning measures were involved?
Ainscough’s appointed person developed detailed lift and slinging plans, coordinated closely with the client, and ensured all site discussions and setup activities were carried out efficiently and safely.
Will Ainscough return to the site?
Yes. Once repairs are complete, Ainscough will return to Brunswick Dock to reinstall the bridge.
Who owns and manages the dock infrastructure?
The project was carried out on behalf of the Canal & River Trust, the national waterways charity responsible for managing much of the UK’s historic canal and dock infrastructure.
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