The Role Boom Lifts Play in Ship Yards
Shipyards are among the most complex and high-risk industrial environments. Constructing, repairing, and maintaining massive vessels requires specialized tools, advanced machinery, and a deep understanding of safety and logistics. One piece of equipment that plays an important, though sometimes underappreciated, role in this ecosystem is the boom lift. These versatile aerial work platforms are essential for maintaining productivity, safety, and efficiency in the vertical environments that define shipyards.
Understanding Boom Lifts
Boom lifts, also known as cherry pickers or man lifts, are mechanical devices that allow workers to access elevated work areas. They consist of a platform or bucket attached to a hydraulic arm, which can extend both vertically and horizontally. Boom lifts are categorized primarily into two types:
Telescopic Boom Lifts – These have straight arms that extend in a straight line, offering higher reach and better access to hard-to-reach areas.
Articulating Boom Lifts – These feature jointed arms that allow them to maneuver around obstacles and tight spaces.
Both types are crucial in shipyard operations, depending on the specific tasks at hand.
The Unique Challenges of Shipyards
Before exploring the role of boom lifts, it’s important to understand the unique challenges that shipyards present:
Massive Structures: Ships are large and complex, often several stories tall and stretching hundreds of feet.
Difficult Access: Many areas on a ship, such as masts, funnels, undercarriages, and superstructures, are hard to access without specialized equipment.
Harsh Environments: Saltwater, extreme weather conditions, and corrosive materials can make work both difficult and dangerous.
Tight Deadlines: Whether constructing a new vessel or conducting repairs, shipyard projects often run on tight schedules, requiring efficient workflows.
Rigorous Safety Standards: Due to the scale of operations and the associated risks, safety compliance is non-negotiable.
Boom lifts help minimize many of these challenges.
Key Roles Boom Lifts Play in Shipyards
Access to High and Hard-to-Reach Areas
Boom lifts are indispensable when it comes to accessing elevated areas of a ship’s structure. Whether it's painting the ship’s hull, welding sections of the superstructure, or installing electronic systems on a ship’s mast, boom lifts provide the height and stability needed to perform these tasks safely.
Articulating boom lifts are particularly useful in navigating around complex ship structures, such as cranes, scaffolding, or dockside infrastructure, allowing workers to reach difficult spots without disassembling other equipment.
Support for Construction and Assembly
In shipbuilding, multiple components are fabricated separately and then assembled together. Boom lifts give engineers, welders, and other specialists the ability to install large sections, such as bridge components, communication arrays, or exhaust stacks, from elevated positions. The maneuverability of boom lifts makes it easier to align and secure parts with precision, reducing delays and minimizing the risk of errors.
Additionally, the ability to move horizontally and vertically allows teams to work more efficiently compared to traditional scaffolding.
Efficient Maintenance and Repairs
Ships undergo regular maintenance, both while docked and during dry-docking. Boom lifts are essential for conducting inspections, surface preparation, repainting, and corrosion control. Telescopic boom lifts are often used for high vertical access on large vessels such as tankers, cruise ships, or naval carriers, while articulating lifts excel in tight spaces like ship engine rooms or interior sections.
Repair tasks, such as fixing hull breaches or replacing faulty components, often require access to very specific areas. Boom lifts reduce downtime by allowing for faster, more precise work without the need for time-consuming scaffolding setup.
Increased Worker Safety
Shipyards are inherently hazardous environments. Falls from height are one of the leading causes of injuries in industrial settings, including shipyards. Boom lifts, when used properly, offer a safer alternative to ladders and scaffolding. They provide a stable, enclosed platform with guardrails and harness anchor points, reducing the risk of falls.
Many modern boom lifts are equipped with advanced safety features like tilt sensors, load indicators, emergency lowering systems, and automatic braking, maintaining compliance with strict safety regulations.
Time and Cost Efficiency
In shipyards, time is money. Delays can result in significant financial losses, particularly when dealing with commercial fleets, cruise lines, or naval vessels on strict schedules. Boom lifts drastically reduce the time needed for setup and repositioning compared to fixed scaffolding.
Their mobility also means fewer interruptions and a smoother workflow. Operators can cover more area in less time, whether they’re cleaning, welding, painting, or performing inspections. This increased efficiency translates to reduced labor costs and faster project completion.
Versatility for Various Tasks
Boom lifts aren’t limited to construction or repair, they're also used for:
- Installing and servicing lighting or communication equipment
- Inspecting cranes and dockside machinery
- Conducting safety audits and visual assessments
- Cleaning and detailing large vessels
- Loading and unloading materials at elevated locations
This versatility makes them an essential asset in any well-equipped shipyard.
Choosing the Right Boom Lift for Shipyard Work
Selecting the right boom lift depends on the nature of the work and the shipyard’s layout. Some key considerations include:
Height and Reach: Telescopic lifts are ideal for jobs that require significant vertical reach (up to 180 feet in some models).
Maneuverability: Articulating lifts are preferred when navigating around tight or obstructed areas.
Power Source: Electric boom lifts are suitable for indoor or enclosed environments, while diesel-powered models are better for outdoor, heavy-duty tasks.
Terrain Type: Rough terrain boom lifts are designed for uneven surfaces common in shipyards, with features like four-wheel drive and enhanced suspension.
Rental companies and shipyard logistics teams often collaborate to ensure the right type of lift is on-site for each phase of a project.
Training and Certification
Operating a boom lift in a shipyard isn’t something that can be done without proper training. Workers must be certified to handle these machines, understanding not just operational controls but also safety protocols, load limits, and emergency procedures.
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and other regulatory bodies have strict requirements for aerial lift training. Most shipyards mandate that operators and even workers using the platform be trained and regularly recertified to ensure safe practices are maintained.
Maintenance of Boom Lifts in Shipyards
Just as the vessels they serve need maintenance, so do the boom lifts themselves. Given the harsh marine environment, salt air, moisture, chemical exposure, boom lifts in shipyards must be inspected regularly. Key maintenance tasks include:
- Checking hydraulic systems for leaks
- Inspecting tires and suspension for wear
- Making sure electronics and sensors are functioning properly
- Cleaning and lubricating moving parts
- Corrosion control and rust prevention
Shipyards often have dedicated maintenance crews or contracts with equipment providers to keep boom lifts in top working condition.
Future Trends: Smart Boom Lifts and Automation
As shipyard operations continue to evolve, so does the technology behind boom lifts.
Emerging trends include:
Telematics: Real-time monitoring of boom lift performance, location, and usage.
Automation: Semi-autonomous features that improve precision and reduce operator fatigue.
Green Technology: More electric and hybrid models for eco-friendly operations and indoor use.
Improved Safety Systems: AI-based sensors that detect obstacles, terrain shifts, and unsafe operator behavior.
These innovations are poised to further enhance the role of boom lifts in shipyards, making them smarter, safer, and more efficient.
Let's Wrap it Up!
Boom lifts may not be the flashiest machines in a shipyard, but their impact is immense. From facilitating construction to expediting repairs and boosting safety, these aerial work platforms are an essential part of shipyard operations. As the maritime industry continues to modernize and expand, the reliance on boom lifts will only grow.
Investing in the right equipment, and the training and maintenance to go with it, makes sure shipyards can meet their complex demands while keeping workers safe and projects on schedule. In a world where access, efficiency, and safety are paramount, boom lifts are truly the unsung heroes of the shipyard.
About All Access Services
Serving construction projects throughout Southern California with heavy equipment rentals, we have 3 locations in San Diego, Orange County, and Riverside to serve our clients. Each location carries a fleet of scissor lifts, telehandlers, boom lifts, and forklifts available for rent at affordable rates. We strive to provide the best customer service in the industry and hope to earn your trust and business!
We offer a free quote, please fill out our Request Estimate form or give us a call to speak with a representative!
Commonly Asked Questions
Do I need a scissor lift or boom lift?
The choice between a scissor lift and a boom lift depends on several factors such as the specific task you need to accomplish, the height and reach required and the terrain and environment of the work site. Scissor lifts are great for vertical access in relatively confined spaces. They provide a stable platform and are ideal for tasks like maintenance, painting, or installation work at moderate heights. They primarily offer vertical movement and may not be suitable for reaching over obstacles or accessing areas with limited clearance. Boom lifts, also known as cherry pickers, offer more flexibility in terms of reach and maneuverability. They have extendable arms (booms) that allow you to access elevated areas, over obstacles, or at varying angles. This makes them great for tasks including tree trimming, building maintenance, or exterior painting where you need to reach specific points at height or work over obstacles.
What is the maximum height a scissor lift can reach?
Scissor lifts are commonly available with maximum platform heights ranging from 20 ft to over 50 ft. Some heavy-duty scissor lifts can reach heights of up to 80 ft or more. The maximum height a scissor lift can reach depends on the weight capacity of the lift and the weight of the load being lifted. Also adhere to manufacturer’s guidelines and safety protocols when operating a scissor lift.
What are the weight limits for scissor lifts?
Scissor lifts have weight capacities that range from 500 – 2,500 pounds. It’s important to refer to the manufacturers’ specification so that the weight limit is not exceeded, and the lift is being used safely. Overloading a scissor lift can be dangerous and lead to accidents and injuries.
How much weight can a telehandler lift?
The lifting capacity of a telehandler depends on its model, size, and manufacturer. In general, telehandlers have lifting capacities ranging from 5,500 pounds to over 20,000 pounds for larger and more powerful models. It's important to consult the specifications of the specific telehandler in question, as capacities can differ greatly between different models and configurations.
Can telehandlers be used indoors?
Yes, telehandlers can be used indoors, although there are certain considerations to keep in mind. Their versatility and ability to lift and maneuver heavy loads make them valuable machines in warehouses, factories, and construction sites with indoor spaces. It's important to make sure that the indoor environment is suitable for the telehandler's operation, taking into account factors including ceiling height, floor surface stability, and the presence of obstacles.
Are there any certifications required to operate a telehandler?
Yes, certifications are required to operate a telehandler so operators have the necessary skills and knowledge for safe use. These certifications typically involve completion of specialized training programs that cover topics including equipment operation, safety procedures, load handling, and maintenance.
How high can a boom lift extend?
A boom lift, also known as a cherry picker, can typically extend anywhere from around 30 feet to over 185 feet, depending on the specific model and manufacturer. The height capability of a boom lift allows workers to access tall structures, ceilings, trees, or other elevated locations that may be challenging or impossible to reach for workers.
What is the maximum weight capacity of a boom lift?
Boom lifts can support weights ranging from around 500 pounds to over 1000 pounds for smaller models used in construction and maintenance tasks. Larger, heavy-duty boom lifts can have weight capacities exceeding 10,000 pounds, designed for industrial applications such as steel erection and bridge construction.
What are the power options for boom lifts (e.g., diesel, electric)?
Common power sources include diesel engines, are well-suited for outdoor use due to their power and endurance. Electric boom lifts are increasingly popular for indoor applications and environmentally sensitive areas, offering quieter operation and zero emissions. Some models also feature dual power options, allowing operators to switch between diesel and electric power based on the job requirements, providing versatility and flexibility in various work scenarios.
What are some typical rental costs for a boom lift?
Rental costs for boom lifts can vary widely depending on factors including the duration of the rental, the type and size of the boom lift, and the location. On average, you might expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $400 per day for a standard boom lift rental. Weekly rates could range from $500 to $1,500, while monthly rentals might cost between $1,500 and $5,000 or more. Specialty boom lifts or those with higher reach capabilities may have higher prices.
What are the different types of boom lifts available?
The 2 primary types include articulating boom lifts, which feature multiple jointed sections allowing for flexibility and precise positioning, great for navigating around obstacles. And telescopic boom lifts, known for their straight, extendable arms, offering exceptional reach and height capabilities, making them suitable for accessing high and hard-to-reach areas.