The Naval Sea Systems Command has recently deployed three cranes to Baltimore, Md., to aid in the removal of wreckage from the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. The cranes, including the 1,000-ton lift-capacity Chesapeake, the 200-ton Ferrell, and the 150-ton Oyster, will be used to lift submerged parts of the bridge from the Patapsco River.
In addition to these cranes, another 400-ton lift-capacity barge is set to arrive next week to assist in the salvage operation. The Navy’s Supervisor of Salvage and Diving will oversee the disassembly and removal of the bridge section by section using the cranes.
To further support the salvage efforts, the Navy is also mobilizing 12 more cranes and support vessels, which include tugs, survey, dive, and crew boats. Of note, Chesapeake, the largest crane on the East Coast, has a unique history as it was originally involved in the construction of the Hughes Glomar Explorer for a CIA operation called Project Azorian.
After fulfilling its original mission, the crane changed hands and eventually found its way to Donjon Marine Company, Inc., where it was renamed Chesapeake. The deployment of these cranes and vessels marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to clear the wreckage from the Key Bridge collapse and ensure the safety of the surrounding area.
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