Odense Ceases Production After Storm Destroys Crane

A hurricane that passed through Denmark on Dec. 3 caused extensive damages to the huge gantry crane in the dock area at Odense Steel Shipyard. The shipyard has ceased operation due to the incident, and approximately 2,000 production employees were sent home until further notice. The crane overturned in the high winds of the storm, and the cross girder came to rest on the deck of a newbuilding under construction in the yard's drydock. There were no injuries reported. The yard's management and several employees have begun preparations for removal of the collapsed crane, and are looking for a replacement for the lost crane capacity. The shipyard's managing director, John Skov Hansen, said that intensive efforts are underway to resume yard production and return staff members to work as soon as possible.