Taken by Patrick van Dijk, the photograph depicts a Motion Compensated Pile Gripper. At first glance, it resembles a colossal steel claw. At sea, however, it performs an extremely precise task. It stabilises foundation piles measuring up to 115 metres in length and weighing up to 3,200 tonnes, helping to install them safely, quickly and in an environmentally responsible manner in the seabed. Unlike conventional solutions, the gripper developed by Huisman is suspended from the side of the vessel. This configuration allows it to reach the waterline and safely guidethe pile to the required penetration depth, which can be as much as 40 metres.
“Inside the gripper lies Huisman’s cutting-edge technology and Czech precision from Sviadnov, as part of the equipment was manufactured here at our facility. The photograph presents industry from an unexpected perspective. The contrast between the monumental equipment and the tiny figures around it creates astriking image,” says Petra Červenková, Marketing and Communications Specialist at Huisman Czech Republic.
Giant in Motion took first place in the Industrial Photography category of the Czech Industry Challenge. The winners were selected by an independent panel of experts. Czech Industry Challenge is a nationwide platform showcasing Czech industry, research and technical disciplines. Selected photographs subsequently tour cities across the Czech Republic as part of the Czech Industry Photo exhibition.
Huisman Czech Republic regularly features among the photographs selected for Czech Industry Photo. In previous editions, the exhibition has presented images including an observation wheel in Montreal, a welder at work, a robot precision-cutting steel components and a Sky Shuttle attraction aboard a cruise ship.
These photographs also demonstrate the breadth of Huisman Czech Republic’s manufacturing capabilities. The company designs and manufactures specialised equipment for the energy, marine, mining and leisure industries. Its products include components for offshore and onshore cranes, drilling rigs, offshore wind installation equipment and amusement rides. Products manufactured in Sviadnov are primarily destined for international markets.
