Ship motions are damped for safe offshore access with the bow‑mounted suction arms from RCR ENGINEERING, creating a stable offshore doorstep where your crew can work as if they are on solid ground. Building on more than 25 years of close cooperation with SUXXESION in vacuum technology, the system forms a powerful vacuum‑secured connection between vessel and structure that passively controls heave, pitch and roll for safe transfer of people and cargo.
From 2026 and beyond, RCR ENGINEERING turns proven vacuum lifting experience into next‑generation offshore access: no mooring lines, controlled motions and maximum uptime at wind turbines and other fixed offshore installations.
RCR ENGINEERING presents a vacuum-based, foldable knuckleboom crane with an integrated suction pad in the base. This crane combines the flexibility of a knuckleboom with the mobility of a vacuum foundation, allowing rapid deployment on a wide range of deck structures without welding or bolting.
Innovative vacuum foundation
Instead of a fixed welded or bolted pedestal, the crane uses a large suction pad in the base that is secured to the deck by vacuum force. The suction pad generates both the vertical holding force and the friction needed to safely resist the crane’s overturning moment and horizontal loads. This vacuum technology unlocks new possibilities for temporary use, testing, and project-based deployment without major modifications to vessels, pontoons, or quays.
Foldable knuckleboom for compactness
The knuckleboom configuration provides generous outreach and precise load positioning, while the folded crane occupies a minimal footprint. This matches the needs of workboats, barges, and industrial sites where space is limited and deck area must be used for multiple functions. In combination with the vacuum base, the complete crane unit can be moved and stored as a “plug-and-play” module.
Applications and benefits
The solution targets marine and offshore projects, temporary loading sites, and workboats where flexibility and fast mobilisation are critical. Key benefits include: no hot work or drilling, reusable foundation, short installation time, and the ability to share one crane across multiple platforms or vessels.
Safety and design challenges
The suction pad and vacuum systems are engineered with redundant circuits, continuous vacuum monitoring, and controlled emergency release. Maximum lifting capacities and outreach are matched to the available suction area, deck strength, and applicable lifting and marine equipment standards. With this concept, RCR ENGINEERING delivers a future-ready crane solution that supports the shift toward flexible, low-emission, and safer marine operations.
