DNREC sells decades-old crane at Indian River Inlet

The state announced it is testing the new engines of the sand bypass system at the Indian River Inlet. In advance of the testing, the state sold the decades-old crane it used at the inlet in conjunction with the bypass system.

The state listed the crane for sale on the online government surplus auction house called USGovBid. The auction started June 10 and ended June 20. According to the online listing, the engine is “blown.” There was a total of 38 bids for the Manitowoc 555 crane with a 150-foot-tall boom, and it sold for $78,650.

A commercial recycler in Newark bought the crane, said Michael Globetti, spokesperson for the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. He declined to name the business.

The Manitowoc 555 crane had been in operation on the Delaware coast since 2004, said Globetti. Though it may retain some functional capability, continuing to operate the crane in a coastal environment would present increasing safety and reliability concerns, he said.

Mobile cranes can often remain in service for more than 25 years in inland environments, but the harsh marine conditions along the Delaware coast – especially constant salt exposure – significantly reduce equipment lifespan, said Globetti. Marine-based mobile cranes typically have a service life of only 10 to 15 years under such conditions, and this crane had reached the end of its usable life, he said.

Looking forward, DNREC is currently evaluating the costs and benefits of owning and operating a crane versus hiring a contractor and renting equipment during the nine months the bypass system is operational each year, said Globetti. This evaluation is related to the overall crane replacement and operational strategy, rather than the engine conversion project, he said.

The crane has not been moved, but the state and the winning bidder are making plans to keep disruption to the area at a minimum when relocating the unit, said Globetti.