The JV’s first Grove GMK6400 is going to work at an oil field in the Port of Abidjan.

Petro Sea Logistics, a joint venture (JV) between Belgium’s Sea-Invests and Ivory Coast’s Petroci, has added a Grove GMK6400 all-terrain crane to its fleet. The purchasing decision was not only influenced by the JV’s desire for a quality crane that can handle the rigors of the oil business, but also for greater service and support provided through the partners of Manitowoc Cranes.

 
An investment in a six-crane fleet of RTs from another brand had left the JV reeling from a lack of support for its oil field operations. When it came time for the JV to purchase a new crane for pipe-lifting applications, it turned to Grove and its African dealer, Paterson Simons. Formerly a buyer of strictly rough-terrain cranes, the JV opted for an all-terrain GMK6400, which features a 400 t capacity, as well as a 60 m boom. Its optional removable outrigger box, self-rigging auxiliary hoist and self-rigging MegaWingLift (which can boost its capacity by nearly 70%) have made the crane one of the most successful in Grove’s history.

Pasico Ghana, a subsidiary in the Paterson Simons network, worked with Grove to provide the JV with quick, localised support for the GMK6400, as well as extensive training and warranty options. The crane is scheduled to immediately begin oil field operations at the Port of Abidjan.As the sales manager for French-speaking Africa for Manitowoc Cranes, Guillame Bertrand understands that the service and support offered on a crane long after its sale is crucial to ensuring companies are able to maximise the return on their capital investments.

“After-sales service is the key to doing business in Africa,” he explains. “Our customers have grown to expect responsive, quality support throughout the region, and we have made great efforts over the last few years to ensure we are there for them when they need us.”
Petro Sea Logistics was so happy with its first Grove all-terrain purchase, that the JV invested in two additional models: the new 100 t GMK4100L-1, which has the strongest load charts in its class and an extra-long 60 m boom; and the 180 t GMK5180-1, which has a 64 m boom and features the VIAB turbo clutch that enables wear-free starting and breaking.