Crane Operator

Job Description:

• Operate cranes to lift, move, position, and place various loads including containers, equipment, skids, pipes, and heavy industrial components.
• Follow instructions from the Lifting Supervisor, Rigger Foreman, and Flagman during lifting operations.
• Ensure correct use of crane functions, boom configurations, outriggers, and lifting accessories.
• Operate cranes in accordance with manufacturer guidelines and site safety procedures.

• Conduct daily pre-use inspections of the crane including brakes, hydraulics, wire ropes, hooks, outriggers, gauges, and safety systems.
• Report any defects immediately and ensure the crane is isolated until repaired.
• Verify crane certificates, SWL, load charts, and lifting aids before commencing operations.
• Ensure cranes are properly set up on stable ground with correct outrigger deployment.

• Review and understand lifting plans, load charts, rigging configurations, and lifting sequences.
• Ensure lifting operations follow approved engineering calculations and load limits.
• Maintain communication with the lifting team using radio and visual signals.
• Ensure proper boom angle, radius, and load handling as per the lift plan.

• Support lifting operations related to:
• Yard material handling
• Warehouse loading/unloading
• Pipe rack operations
• Heavy equipment mobilization
• Quayside load-out and backload for vessel operations
• Assist marine logistics teams during vessel cargo transfers, deck loading, and mobilization activities.

• Work closely with riggers, flagmen, lifting supervisors, logistics personnel, and HSE teams.
• Communicate clearly and act only on signals from the designated Flagman/Banksman.
• Maintain situational awareness at all times to prevent accidents and equipment damage.

• Complete daily crane logs, pre-use checklists, and operational reports.
• Report incidents, near misses, unsafe conditions, or equipment defects.
• Assist in maintaining accurate records for crane hours, maintenance, and certifications.

The Crane Operator is responsible for operating mobile cranes, crawler cranes, or rough-terrain cranes to safely lift, move, and position loads within the storage yard, laydown areas, warehouses, and port/quayside operational zones of an Oil & Gas project.

The role works as part of a coordinated lifting team alongside riggers, flagmen, and lifting supervisors, ensuring that all lifting operations meet ADNOC Codes of Practice, LEEA/LOLER standards, port regulations, and approved lifting plans.

The Crane Operator plays a critical role in maintaining safe, efficient, and compliant lifting operations for materials, equipment, and vessel load-outs/ backloads.

Required experience and skills

• 5–8 years experience operating cranes in Oil & Gas, EPC, marine, or port environments.
• Experience with heavy lifts, complex lifts, and confined yard operations.
• Experience working in ports or quayside environments is a strong advantage.
• Familiarity with ADNOC lifting protocols or Gulf-region industrial operations preferred.
• Strong knowledge of crane operations, load charts, and rigging principles.
• Excellent communication and coordination skills.
• High awareness of lifting hazards and safety requirements.
• Ability to operate cranes safely in tight, busy, and high-risk environments.
• Calm, focused, and precise under pressure.

Required education

• Certified Crane Operator (for mobile/crawler/RT cranes as applicable).
• ADNOC-approved or recognized third-party crane operator certification.
• Rigging and Banksman/Signalman awareness training (preferred).
• Valid UAE or project-relevant license for crane operation (as required).
• Basic safety training: H2S, Fire Awareness, First Aid (preferred).

Founded in Bremen in 1989, the Harren Group focuses on the entire value chain around the vessel. The Group spans five operational divisions – Chartering, Engineering, Logistics, Ship Management and Renewable Energies. Harren is committed to carbon-neutral shipping and is working to convert the entire fleet. The goal is zero-emission shipping across the Group by 2035.

The fleet under management currently consists of 65 units all key vessel types. The family-owned company operates 26 offices in 24 countries around the world, employing 550+ people ashore and more than 2,000 crew members on board its ships.