NessCampbell Deploys First Grove GMK6450-1 in North America for Towboat Assembly in Seattle

30-Second Takeaway

NessCampbell Crane + Rigging partnered with Western Towboat to assemble a new towboat at its Seattle shipyard using a 500 USt (450 t) Grove GMK6450-1, the first of its kind operating in North America. The six-axle all-terrain crane worked alongside a Manitowoc 3900 crawler crane to lift, rotate, and place major towboat components, including a 135,000-lb hull and a 58,000-lb towboat house, demonstrating the GMK6450-1’s capacity, precision, and flexibility in tight marine environments.

NessCampbell and Western Towboat Assemble New Seattle Towboat Using First Grove GMK6450-1 in North America

NessCampbell Crane + Rigging, a leading provider of crane and rigging solutions across the Pacific Northwest, partnered with Western Towboat Company to assemble a new towboat at Western Towboat’s Seattle facility. Central to the project was a 500 USt (450 t) Grove GMK6450-1 all-terrain crane, NessCampbell’s newest fleet addition and the first GMK6450-1 operating in North America.

The GMK6450-1 worked in tandem with Western Towboat’s Manitowoc 3900 crawler crane and was further supported by Walter Payton’s crane operation, which assisted with supplemental lifting, site coordination, and marine yard logistics during key phases of the assembly.

The multi-crane operation involved lifting, rotating, and setting a massive towboat hull, followed by the precise placement of the towboat house all within the tight confines of an active shipyard.

Hull Rotation and House Placement

NessCampbell’s team began by rigging the 135,000-lb hull, carefully lifting and rotating it into a vertical position using the GMK6450-1. The maneuver required controlled slewing, balanced load distribution, and continuous communication between crane operators, riggers, and signal personnel.

After the hull was stabilized and set upright, the rigging was reconfigured for the next phase of work. The GMK6450-1 then lifted the 58,000-lb towboat house, placing it accurately onto the hull with support coordination from Western Towboat’s crawler crane and Walter Payton’s crew.

Each lift was meticulously planned to ensure stability, control, and safety for personnel and equipment.

Managing Space, Ground, and Weather Challenges

Operating a 500-USt crane in a congested shipyard presented several challenges.

“Bringing the 500-USt GMK6450-1 into a crowded shipyard was no small feat,” said Josh Buege, project manager for NessCampbell.

“We tackled site logistics challenges by conducting slope and ground stability assessments to keep everything secure.”

With Seattle’s unpredictable weather, wind conditions were closely monitored, with operations paused if speeds approached 10 mph. The coordinated effort between NessCampbell, Western Towboat, and Walter Payton’s crane team ensured continuous lift readiness without compromising safety.

“Having the new Grove GMK6450-1 was crucial for this project,” Buege added. “It allowed us to lift heavy components with the reliability and precision we require.”

A Strategic Fleet Investment

The Grove GMK 6450-1 represents a significant investment for NessCampbell and reinforces its commitment to deploying leading crane technology across the Pacific Northwest.

This six-axle, 450-tonne all-terrain crane is the strongest heavy-duty crane in its class and features:

• Self-assembling MegaWingLift™

• Rigging time of less than 20 minutes

• MAXbase™ variable outrigger positioning

• Manitowoc’s Crane Control System (CCS)

• All axle weights under 22,000 lb for improved roadability

The crane can perform lifts typically requiring seven- or eight-axle models, making it highly versatile for HVAC installation, tower crane assembly, girder erection, and marine work.

Designed for Pacific Northwest Conditions

“We chose this model for its superior luffing jib capabilities and ease of deployment,” said John Anderson, President of NessCampbell.

“It’s one of the only cranes in its class that doesn’t require launching the main boom, which is a major advantage in our area.”

After arriving by ship, the GMK 6450-1 underwent full inspection and onboarding at Western Pacific Crane & Equipment in Arlington, Washington. Manitowoc factory technicians provided in-depth training for NessCampbell’s operators and mechanics to ensure full readiness.

According to Randy DeFosse, General Manager at Western Pacific Crane & Equipment, the

crane is a strong match for NessCampbell’s operational needs.

“The new GMK6450-1, with its strong capacity charts and maneuverability, is an excellent fit to further enhance NessCampbell’s crane fleet,” DeFosse said.

About NessCampbell Crane + Rigging

NessCampbell Crane + Rigging is a leading provider of crane, rigging, and heavy transport solutions across the Pacific Northwest. The company supports marine, industrial, infrastructure, and construction projects with a modern fleet and highly trained crews specializing in complex lifts and challenging environments.

🔗 Learn more: https://www.nesscampbell.com

About Western Towboat

Western Towboat Company is a Seattle-based marine transportation company providing towing, ship assist, and marine construction support services throughout Puget Sound and the Pacific Northwest. The company operates a diverse fleet and maintains in-house shipbuilding and repair capabilities.

🔗 Learn more: https://www.westerntowboat.com

About Grove Cranes Manitowoc

Grove, a brand of Manitowoc, manufactures all-terrain, rough-terrain, and truck-mounted cranes used worldwide across construction, energy, infrastructure, and industrial markets. Grove cranes are known for high lifting performance, mobility, and advanced control systems.

🔗 Learn more about the GMK6450-1: https://www.manitowoc.com/grove/all-terrain-cranes/gmk6450-1

About Walter Payton Crane Company

Walter Payton’s crane operation is a regional lifting and support provider specializing in marine, industrial, and shipyard crane services. During the Seattle towboat assembly, Payton’s team supported site logistics, supplemental lifting operations, and coordination within the constrained yard environment, contributing to the project’s overall efficiency and safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

What crane was used for the towboat assembly?

A 500 USt (450 t) Grove GMK6450-1 all-terrain crane, the first operating in North America.

Why was the GMK6450-1 selected for this project?

Its high capacity, compact six-axle design, rapid self-rigging MegaWingLift™, and ability to work in tight shipyard conditions made it ideal.

What were the heaviest lifts involved?

The project included lifting and rotating a 135,000-lb hull and placing a 58,000-lb towboat house.

How did weather impact operations?

Operators closely monitored wind conditions, maintaining limits below 10 mph to ensure lift stability and precision.

What makes the GMK6450-1 unique compared to similar cranes?

It delivers 450-tonne capacity on six axles, requires no main boom launch, rigs in under 20 minutes, and offers enhanced capacity through MAXbase™ and MegaWingLift™ systems.