In the heart of Kenya’s growing maritime industry, a major shipyard was facing a critical challenge—efficiently lifting and moving heavy ship components during construction and repair. They needed a reliable, powerful gantry crane system that could handle large loads while being easy to maintain and cost-effective. This is the story of how a leading crane provider from India helped transform their operations with a custom-built solution using CKD crane kits.

This case study highlights the successful delivery and installation of a gantry crane in a Kenyan shipyard and how cost-effective crane solutions in Africa are empowering industrial growth across the continent.

The Challenge: Upgrading Lifting Capabilities in Coastal Kenya

The client, a prominent shipbuilding and repair facility on the Kenyan coast, was expanding its operations to meet the increasing demand for both domestic and international maritime services. Their existing lifting equipment was outdated, inefficient, and incapable of handling the increasing size of marine vessels.

They needed:

• A high-capacity gantry crane
• Quick installation with minimal downtime
• Low import costs
• Local support for assembly and maintenance

This led them to explore crane kit suppliers in Africa who could deliver a tailored, affordable, and timely solution.

The Solution: Custom CKD Gantry Crane Kit from India

After evaluating multiple options, the shipyard partnered with K2 Cranes, one of the leading crane manufacturers from India to Africa. The team at K2 proposed a custom crane solution for Africa, specifically designed for marine applications—resistant to corrosion, capable of handling 50 tons, and engineered for seamless movement along the shipyard’s tracks.

To reduce the overall cost and streamline logistics, the solution was delivered as a CKD (Completely Knocked Down) kit—allowing the core components like hoists, electrical panels, and trolleys to be shipped efficiently, while the larger structures (such as gantry legs and beams) were fabricated locally in Kenya.

Why CKD Kits Are a Game-Changer for African Industry

Using a CKD kit provided several benefits:

• Lower Import Duties – Only the crane components were imported, reducing tax and customs charges.
• Local Fabrication Support – Gantry structure was built in Kenya, supporting local jobs and faster project turnaround.
• Cost Savings – It provided one of the most affordable EOT cranes in Africa when considering the total project cost.
• Custom Engineering – The crane was tailored to specific site requirements—track width, height, load specs, and corrosion resistance.

This strategic combination of Indian engineering and Kenyan execution delivered a cost-effective crane solution Africa’s industrial sector increasingly demands.

Seamless Execution with Local Crane Installation Partners in Africa

K2 Cranes collaborated with local crane installation partners in Africa to assemble and commission the gantry crane on-site. This hybrid approach ensured that the shipyard didn’t face delays due to international travel, shipping issues, or skilled labor shortages.

K2 provided:

• Detailed installation drawings and load calculations
• Remote and on-ground engineering support
• Training for Kenyan engineers and operators

The installation was completed in under six weeks—well within the project deadline—and the crane was fully operational with zero defects during the trial run.

Key Outcomes of the Project

The gantry crane installation brought significant improvements to the shipyard:

• 30% reduction in overall ship maintenance cycle time
• Improved safety and load handling capacity
• Increased operational efficiency in cargo movement and ship repair
• Reduced dependence on expensive, imported equipment

Most importantly, the client now has an in-house team trained in crane operation and maintenance, supported by both K2 Cranes and their local partners.

Empowering Africa’s Maritime Sector with Smart Crane Solutions

This project is a shining example of how crane kit suppliers in Africa are enabling industries to grow sustainably. With the right partners, African businesses don’t need to rely on high-cost imports or generic solutions. Instead, they can access tailored equipment that fits their needs, budget, and operational environment.

Whether it’s shipyards, power plants, manufacturing facilities, or ports, custom crane solutions for Africa are now within reach—thanks to innovative sourcing models and strong partnerships between Indian manufacturers and African industry leaders.

Conclusion: Building the Future, One Crane at a Time

As African nations continue to invest in industrial and maritime infrastructure, the need for reliable and cost-efficient lifting systems is becoming more urgent. This Kenyan shipyard project demonstrates that with smart planning, collaboration, and the right technology, it is entirely possible to achieve world-class results—without world-class expenses.

At K2 Cranes, we are proud to be part of this change. As crane manufacturers from India to Africa, we remain committed to providing affordable EOT cranes in Africa, CKD kits, and complete installation support—powered by a growing network of local crane installation partners in Africa.