Watch the dramatic fall of a 1,200-ton crane in Campbell River, a first-of-its-kind demolition in Canada, executed with precision and safety.
Historic Demolition Caught on Camera
A jaw-dropping video has emerged showing the carefully planned takedown of a massive 1,200-ton ship-to-shore crane in Campbell River. The footage, released by Global Rigging & Transport (GRT), captures the moment the towering structure was brought down with surgical precision.
A First in Canadian Ports
According to GRT, this is the first time a ship-to-shore crane has ever been demolished in Canada. For nearly 30 years, the 52-metre giant handled more than two million containers, serving as a workhorse for Vancouver’s busy port before being retired.
From Workhorse to Scrap
After decades of service, the crane had reached the end of its lifespan. It was shipped from Vancouver to Campbell River on a barge, where demolition experts prepared it for a safe takedown. Partnering with AMIX, GRT used an engineered “controlled-fall technique” to ensure both precision and environmental safety.
Precision Meets Safety
Before the final drop, the team removed all oils, hydraulics, and lubricants to prevent any contamination. Strategic cuts weakened the crane’s main support structures, while carefully planned line-severing guided its collapse. The result? A perfectly executed fall that landed within mere inches of the intended spot.
Falling Exactly as Planned
Supervisor Kenny Zappitelli described the demolition as flawless:
“The crane was safely toppled without any interruptions, mitigating risk to the surrounding waterfront.”
The project not only marked the end of a steel giant’s service but also showcased Canada’s growing expertise in complex industrial engineering feats.
Beyond the dramatic visuals, the demolition also highlighted the behind-the-scenes engineering expertise required to bring down such a colossal structure. Every step of the process demanded exact calculations, from weakening the support beams to ensuring the crane landed exactly where planned. Experts say this type of precision-controlled demolition could set a new benchmark for similar large-scale projects across Canada. For the community of Campbell River, the event was both a spectacle and a reminder of the region’s growing role in heavy industry. What once stood as a symbol of trade now serves as an example of innovation in safe deconstruction.
Follow us on Facebook to join our growing community!
