Based on years of heavy truck‑recovery work in the close bond with local suppliers and end users, RCR Engineering has developed a new crane mast head concept that brings recovery‑style robustness to offshore and industrial lifting.
This mast head is engineered specifically for situations where operators must handle awkward, damaged, or difficult loads with confidence and control, rather than ideal textbook lifts.
At the heart of the design are two hooks, each driven by its own dedicated winch. This independent hoisting arrangement allows the operator to control hook height and tension separately, making it far easier to balance irregular loads, adjust the centre of gravity and fine‑tune positioning during critical manoeuvres. Where conventional single‑winch systems quickly run into limitations, the RCR solution offers precise load sharing and better stability throughout the whole lift.
The hoisting system is configured as single fall, with sheaves and wire routing dimensioned to comply with the relevant DNV‑GL requirements for D:d ratio. That focus on correct rope bending geometry improves rope life, reduces fatigue damage, and underpins predictable performance over many operating cycles. For asset owners, this translates directly into lower lifecycle cost and less unplanned downtime for rope replacement and inspection.
One of the key use cases for this mast head is the controlled upending of loads, for example rotating a component from horizontal transport position to vertical installation position. By combining dual independent hooks with a rigid, offshore‑style mast structure, RCR’s design enables smooth, well‑guided rotations with much better control over swing and tilt. This is particularly valuable when working in confined deck spaces or on moving platforms, where every centimetre of clearance matters and safety margins are tight.
About RCR
Behind the hardware is a team that lives and breathes engineering. RCR Engineering brings together practical recovery experience, offshore crane know‑how and solid structural calculation capability under one roof. The result is a mast head that is not only rugged and user‑friendly for operators, but also traceable and defensible for owners, surveyors, and regulators. From initial concept and 3D design through strength assessment and fabrication support, RCR can help clients turn real‑world lifting challenges into reliable, certifiable solutions.
Whether you are looking to upgrade an existing crane with a more capable mast head, or to integrate a purpose‑built lifting solution into a new recovery or offshore project, RCR Engineering is ready to support you. The same mindset that was forged on roadside recoveries of heavy trucks now drives the development of specialized crane equipment that performs when conditions are far from ideal.
