Alter Krahnen
Harbour crane "Alter Krahnen" (1554-1558) in Andernach, Germany.
The "old crane" on the Rhine at Andernach is one of the few remaining early modern cranes in Europe. The impressive structure was constructed from 1554 and 1558 and replaced an earlier floating crane. It consists of a stone tower housing two treadwheels with which two to four workers were able to tower the crane. The jib can be rotated 360°. The Alte Krahnen was among the larges crane on Germany's rivers and would remain in operation until 1911. During these 350 years, it was mainly used to load barrels of wine and mill stones.
Harbour cranes were important economic strategic assets on Europes rivers as they provided revenue through the goods loaded and were often associated with the collection of customs or octroi. Therefore it comes as no surprise that the crane at Andernach was built in a representative fashion and decorated with carved stonework.
Alter Krahnen
Harbour crane "Alter Krahnen" (1554-1558) in Andernach, Germany.
The "old crane" on the Rhine at Andernach is one of the few remaining early modern cranes in Europe. The impressive structure was constructed from 1554 and 1558 and replaced an earlier floating crane. It consists of a stone tower housing two treadwheels with which two to four workers were able to tower the crane. The jib can be rotated 360°. The Alte Krahnen was among the larges crane on Germany's rivers and would remain in operation until 1911. During these 350 years, it was mainly used to load barrels of wine and mill stones.
Harbour cranes were important economic strategic assets on Europes rivers as they provided revenue through the goods loaded and were often associated with the collection of customs or octroi. Therefore it comes as no surprise that the crane at Andernach was built in a representative fashion and decorated with carved stonework.