Wharf crane

Maker Johnson and Company Melbourne (Australian, 1893 - 1945)

Date1910

Object numberV00005553

NameCrane

MediumWood, metal

DimensionsOverall: 2000 x 6500 x 1000 mm, 2228 kg

ClassificationsTools and equipment

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Port of Melbourne Authority

Terms

DescriptionBuilt at the turn of this century by Johnson and Co of Melbourne, Victoria, this wharf crane is typical of those that dotted the Victorian coastline for more than fifty years. This type of crane lifts its load vertically and then swings around a fixed pivot to deposit the load at any convenient position within range, mostly the deck of a small vessel or the wharf. This crane was used at the San Remo Wharf, Victoria, mostly by fishermen from the port.HistoryPorts were established when the sea was the most effective means for communication and movement of goods around Australia. With the development of rail and road networks many smaller ports closed, leaving main ports to serve state capitals, industrial and mining centres. Today's waterfront has seen many improvements in techniques for cargo handling and the storage of goods. In 1988 - 1989 Australia's commercial ports moved goods worth 43 billion dollars in exports and 47 billion dollars in imports.SignificanceCranes have been particularly important on the waterfront because of their speed in the handling of cargo. This is an excellent example of a typical waterfront crane.